Improved Grassland
The less intensively managed grasslands are becoming rarer in the Yorkshire Dales as they are replaced by more productive intensively managed agricultural swards. These are characterised by the presence of perennial rye-grass with a general decrease in overall species diversity. Where less agricultural improvement has taken place a low density of wildflowers such as white clover, meadow buttercup, sorrel, cow parsley and ribwort plantain may be present. Some of the hay meadow species more resistant to grazing pressure may also be present. The majority of the intensively managed and highly productive grasslands that are generally cut for silage represent the least botanically important grasslands in the Yorkshire Dales. Many of these grasslands result from re-seeding with commercial mixes after ploughing and soil enrichment, followed by regular application of artificial fertilisers. They are species poor being rye-grass dominated with occasional annual weeds. Improved grassland is of low biodiversity
Habitat Statement
Conservation Objectives
- To convert areas of improved grassland to other more important wildlife habitats where possible.
- To maintain a significant proportion of the existing area of improved grassland to support a less-intensively managed sustainable agricultural industry managing land for nature conservation, multi-purpose forestry and tourism as well as for food production.
Conservation Measures
- Provide advice and incentives to landowners and managers through agri-environment schemes to convert appropriate areas of improved grassland to low-intensity management and / or other more important wildlife habitats.
- Encourage, through advice and incentives, landowners and managers to farm in a sustainable, less intensive manner.
- Support schemes that assist farmers and landowners to develop higher value markets for less-intensively produced premium products.
