Species-rich neutral grassland management on roadside verges in Burley-in-Wharfedale, West Yorkshire

摘要

Urbanisation and intensification of agriculture have caused a dramatic loss in the cover of semi-natural habitats across Britain in recent decades. Semi-natural grasslands have seen some of the greatest declines and are estimated to have reduced by 97% in England and Wales between 1930 and 1984 (Fuller, 1987) and by 47% in England between 1960 and 2013, largely due to agricultural intensification (Ridding et al., 2015). Such grasslands are of great importance for a range of different species including plants, invertebrates, birds and small mammals, and require continual management by cutting or grazing to prevent natural succession into scrub and woodland (Ridding er al., loc. cit). Lowland Meadows are a Priority Habitat for nature conservation listed on Section 41 of NERC Act 2006 and, as of 2007, roadside verges supporting this habitat are also included in the definition (JNCC, 2008).