Neutral Grassland

Lowland unimproved neutral grassland is the single most threatened type of grassland habitat in the UK, and has suffered the greatest loss in the last 70 years, almost entirely due to changing agricultural practice. It is estimated that by 1984 in lowland England and Wales, semi-natural grassland had declined by 97% over the previous 50 years to approximately 0.2million ha.

Losses have continued during the 1980s and 1990s, and have been recorded at 2 -10% per annum in some parts of England (UK BAP Lowland Meadow HAP). There is now less than 15,000ha of species-rich neutral grassland surviving today in England and Wales, and recent Defra (2006) figures indicate that there may be less than 8,500ha remaining in England.

This Plan is not restricted to grasslands cut for hay, but also takes into account unimproved neutral pastures where livestock grazing is the main land use. On many farms in different parts of the UK, use of particular fields for grazing pasture and hay cropping changes over time, but the characteristic plant community may persist with subtle changes in floristic composition.

In non-agricultural settings, neutral grasslands are less frequent but additional examples may be found in recreational sites, churchyards, roadside verges and a variety of other localities.

If you would like any more information on the Unimproved Neutral Grassland Habitat Action Plan please email us with any queries via the box below.