The grasses present on lowland heaths are often seen as characteristic, key species in identifying the landscape type. The grass species present at a given location is largely influenced by factors such as ground moisture and soil chemical balance, with some species preferring acid soils and others, a more neutral pH.

 

In common with other heathland sites, Waldridge is home to Nardus stricta (mat grass) and Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hair grass) as dominant features of its acid grassland. Meanwhile purple moorgrass (Molinia caerulea), cotton grass (Eriophorum angustifolium) and tufted hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) are prominent components of the valley mire at Wanister Bog.

 

The presence of grasses on heathlands can function to stabilise the soils, the characteristic features of which are foremost in generating and maintaining the nature of lowland heath as a landscape. This may be especially important in areas which have suffered damage though fire, for example; while the burning process can be beneficial in nutrient turnover the cleared patches are at risk from takeover by alien (non-heath) species. Seeding with grasses can promote regeneration of heather.

 

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