The Scottish Government

Aim: To convert arable or improved grassland to species-diverse grassland by restricting the agricultural use.

Some BAP species that may benefit: Great yellow bumblebee, Skylark.

Eligible sites: Land classed as eligible for Arable Aid Area Payments and improved grassland not eligible for AAPS.

Wildflower grassland establishment should reflect the species composition of the now rare natural species-rich grasslands that were once widespread in Scotland. The establishment of new grasslands depends on the ability of the desired plant species to germinate, establish and persist. The best type to mimic is usually the characteristic grassland of unimproved neutral soils, which typically has about twenty to twenty five species in an area of four square metres, including a number of non-competitive grasses (see panel). Knapweed, bird's-foot trefoil, oxeye daisy and lady's bedstraw are some of the many plants that grow in the wild in this type of grassland. Natural diversification is slow and uncertain in new grasslands so the seed mixture should include a diverse mixture of species to start with and allow for the fact that some may not persist.

The high nutrient status of soil that has previously been fertilised can limit the success of wildflower grassland creation. Also the presence of a seed bank of competitive and invasive species in the soil may be a hindrance. Certain measures should be taken to reduce the residual fertility of the ex-arable soils, e.g. repeated removal of grass growth without the addition of fertilisers.

Successful establishment of the mixture depends upon good seed-bed preparation, good control of undesirable species and careful management, especially in the first year. Fertilisers should never be applied since they encourage the rapid growth of a few competitive species at the expense of greater diversity.

A variety of plant species provide food and shelter for invertebrates. In turn, seed produced by the plants and the invertebrates attract birds such as skylark, partridge and meadow pipit. Mammals such as hares, field voles, shrews and badgers will also use such grasslands.

Creation of Species-Rich Grassland: a suitable seed mixture?

When selecting a suitable seeds mixture to sow for the establishment of an area of species-rich grassland, you should consider the following:

• Only include plant species that occur naturally in unimproved grassland in your region of Scotland and are available commercially;
• Exclude those plant species that are likely to be too competitive in the atypically fertile soil conditions that follow arable cropping;
• Seed of local provenance should be obtained wherever possible.
• A suitable seed mixture should consist of 80 to 85 percent non-aggressive grasses and 15 to 20 percent native flowers.

An EXAMPLE seed mixture that approximates to the typical species composition of unimproved grazed hay meadows on moderately to well-drained neutral soils in lowland Scotland is based upon the MG5 Cynosurus cristatus - Centaurea nigra grassland community of the National Vegetation Classification; Rodwell, 1992):

1. Herbs

Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Centaurea nigra (Common knapweed)
Conopodium majus (Pignut)
Galium verum (Lady's bedstraw)
Hypochoeris radicata (Cat's ear)
Lathyrus pratensis (Meadow vetchling)
Leontodon autumnalis (Autumn hawkbit)
Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye daisy)
Lotus corniculatus (Common bird's-foot trefoil)
Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort plantain)
Prunella vulgaris (Selfheal)
Ranunculus acris (Meadow buttercup)
Rhinanthus minor (Yellow rattle)
Rumex acetosa (Common sorrel)
Succisa pratensis (Devil's-bit scabious)
Trifolium pratense (Red clover)
Veronica chamaedrys (Germander speedwell)
Vicia cracca (Tufted vetch)

2. Grasses
Agrostis capillaris (Common bent)
Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet vernal-grass)
Cynosurus cristatus (Crested dog's-tail)
Festuca rubra (Red fescue)

Aim: To encourage the regeneration of native heathland plants and small grassland herbs found on coastal heaths.

Some BAP species that may benefit: Linnet, Eyebright (spp), Dune Gentian and Natterjack toad.

Eligible sites: Unimproved land bordering the sea containing characteristic moorland or species rich grassland vegetation dependent on salt spray or exposure.

Seawater spray, blown over heath, deposits minerals and trace elements. Here, salt-tolerant plants can thrive and mineral deposition creates rich plant communities in the form of grassy heaths. These may contain maritime plants such as thrift. The main plant species include heather, crowberry, bell heather, cross-leaved heath and creeping willow and these support large numbers of invertebrates including butterflies and bumblebees. These in turn are a vital food source for both birds and small mammals such as the shrew.

Grazing is usually needed to maintain a balance between dwarf shrubs, like heather and crowberry, and fine grasses and broadleaved herbs. However, heavy grazing coupled with the harsh environment may lead to these shrubs dying out completely. In the winter, as the palatability of the grasses declines, sheep move on to heather and other dwarf shrubs. It is important therefore that grazing levels at this time of year are set to do no more than lightly crop the heathland plants. Regeneration will thus be allowed. When cattle are grazing this habitat, the dung they produce will raise invertebrate numbers thus benefiting curlew, golden plover, finches, oystercatcher, skylark and wheatear.

Certain agricultural activities can reduce the conservation interest of coastal and maritime heath. An inappropriate grazing regime can prevent flowering of cliff top vegetation. Supplementary feeding on the heath may cause poaching and increase nutrient levels that will inhibit growth of heathland plant communities.

Other species such as butterflies and moths often find the areas closest to the shore where the heaths are rich in flowering plants particularly attractive for feeding. Fencing may be necessary in order to effect the necessary grazing control.

Aim: To protect native lowland heath and encourage the regeneration of the plants and provide breeding and feeding grounds for the animals found in the area.

Some BAP species that may benefit: Nightjar, Skylark.

Eligible sites: An area of Lowland Heath.

Lowland heaths have a long history of farming management and typically have thin nutrient-poor acid soils where the combined effects of grazing and other activities have created a complex mosaic rich in wildlife. Lowland heath usually consists of at least 25% cover of dwarf shrubs, although in more exposed areas it may be less. Birds such as the nightjar (particularly on heath next to woodland), reptiles, invertebrates and lichens all inhabit these areas.

Lowland heath, now a rare habitat, is often threatened by a lack of grazing leading to the encroachment of trees and scrub and the loss of wildlife.

• Conservation of this habitat will be best achieved by adopting a low intensity grazing regime to prevent scrub encroachment and encourage heather regeneration. The objective is to achieve an appropriate level of grazing to maintain the open habitat with a heather layer of varying heights and structures, some areas of scattered trees and scrub, and some areas of bare ground.
• Prescriptions for Moorland