Fringe communities on neutral to base-rich, only moderately nutrient-rich soils in the transition zone between forests or scrub and open habitats or in similar situations alongside cliffs and on roadsides. They occur across large parts of lowland North-Western Europe, but also extending into more continental regions where they fringe more open thermophilous forests, and into cooler montane levels to the south and south-east. Typically comprising half-shade plants, other species of neighbouring habitats can also find a place and, in calcareous landscapes, the vegetation can be very species-rich, harbouring many rare and/or endangered species. This vegetation depends on grazing or mowing to prevent succession.