From the upland hay meadows in Perthshire to the lowland grasslands in the crofting areas, species-rich grasslands show considerable variation. These habitats can be home to a wide variety of flowering plants, invertebrates and farmland birds.

Over the last half century, much of this meadowland has been brought into arable cultivation or 'improved' to ncrease the yield of hay or silage. Nutrient enrichment by application of fertiliser results in a loss of the species characteristic of these grasslands. Only the few aggressive species that thrive on high nutrient levels survive. Species-rich grasslands have become relatively scarce.

The management prescription for species-rich grasslands aims to enhance the wildlife value by reducing nutrient inputs and ensuring that the seasonal needs of its inhabitants are catered for. The skylark is a ground-nesting bird and needs cover in which to conceal its nest. The survival of the flowering plants will be ensured if they are allowed to fruit and set seed. The flowers will be a source of nectar for butterflies and bees.

Unimproved grassland naturally varies according to soil condition and situation - whether acid, neutral or base-rich, dry or poorly-drained, coastal or inland. When fertiliser, lime and phosphate are applied, this diversity is lost and all become very similar in their species content, particularly where they have been re-sown with agricultural cultivars of rye grass and other species.

The Standard of Good Farming Practice requires that livestock are managed to avoid either overgrazing or undergrazing. Both can lead to a decline in species-richness. Overgrazing can prevent plants from flowering and setting seed and may remove the variety in vegetation structure which invertebrates need, while undergrazing can lead to a dense, matted sward with no room for seedlings to establish. Species-rich grassland is best maintained by keeping an open sward from which the annual growth is removed by grazing or by cutting and aftermath grazing.

Northern brown argus butterfly

This butterfly is found on well-drained, often base-rich, grassland. The caterpillars depend upon rockrose plants. In Scotland, it is found primarily on lightly grazed calcareous grasslands and also on well-drained heather habitats. Light grazing will maintain the sward without risking the loss of the plants upon which the adults and larvae feed