Lowland Grassland
They are defined as being enclosed by fences, hedges, walls or
ditches, to distinguish them from the unenclosed uplands. Apart
from some upland hay meadows, most lie below 350 m altitude. All
five habitats are dependent on farming and are affected by changes
in farming methods and policies, including both agricultural
intensification and neglect. Key threats to grassland habitats
include:
- drainage (especially lowland meadows and Molinia–Juncus
pastures)
- fertiliser application and re-seeding
- fragmentation
- overgrazing (especially lowland meadows, upland hay meadows and
Molinia-Juncus pastures)
under-grazing
- the practice of cropping silage rather than hay (lowland
meadows, upland hay meadows)
JNCC's role is to ensure a consistent UK approach to grassland
conservation, including monitoring and reporting. The
Lowland Grassland Lead Co-ordination
Network (LCN) was established to assist the JNCC carry out its
special functions with respect to lowland grasslands. Current and
recent projects include:
- Lowland grassland condition assessment
- UK lowland grassland database
- Preparing guidance on the inter-relationships between
invertebrates and their grassland habitats and how site managers
can manage for the needs of both
- Hosting a workshop in the winter of 2003/4 with the UK Lowland
Grassland Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group and relevant
Local Biodiversity Action Plan Officers, to explore mutually
supportive ways of working to conserve grassland.
The network has contributed to a range of leaflets and
reports produced by the country agencies.
Resources
PDF
A report prepared for English Nature, Defra and JNCC
Leaflets:
Grasslands.
Scottish Natural Heritage (Scotland's Living Landscapes
series)