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SA 1 - Identify and highlight the presence of existing species-rich grasslands

Code
SA 1
Supporting action
Identify and highlight the presence of existing species-rich grasslands
Description
Species-rich grasslands, including acid, calcareous and neutral grasslands, are important open habitat reservoirs of biodiversity and focal points for restoration across the landscape such as in the Wye Valley. Understanding their locations will facilitate work to help restore and showcase these valuable habitats into the future. These grasslands can be identified through aerial mapping, GIS analysis, examining local records and targeted site surveys.
Wider environmental benefits
Supporting health and cultural services, Improving soil health, Promoting nature friendly farming
Priority
Herefordshire’s species-rich grasslands are enhanced, expanded and reconnected
Priority description
Species-rich grassland forms a key part of Herefordshire’s largely rural landscape. It is often defined by grassland which has more than 10 species per square metre. These grasslands are a valuable habitat with a unique biodiversity and supports a variety of important species such as the curlew and great burnet. There are a number of different types of species[1]rich grassland, and the type depends on location, underlying geology, soil pH, its management and history. Acid grasslands occur in places such as the Malvern Hills and neutral grassland can be found across the county, with a particularly good example at Lugg Meadows Nature Reserve near Hereford. The rarest grassland in Herefordshire is calcareous grassland, which can be found in the Wye Valley on limestone rocks. Species-rich grasslands continue to be depleted and suffer from a myriad of pressures such as urbanisation, pollution, over and under-grazing and agricultural intensification. A significant additional risk is their anonymity: species-rich grasslands are frequently in suboptimal management, often appearing unexceptional to all but the specialist. This makes them vulnerable to unintended damage. They are also at risk from climate change and invasive plant species. Increasing the extent of species[1]rich grasslands and their interconnectivity improves their resilience to pressures, such as climate change, and helps to provide additional high-quality habitat for a variety of species.
Mapped
No