Chalk grassland


FEATURE 9: OPEN CHALK GRASSLAND

Attributes:
· extent of grassland
· sward composition: grass/herb ratio
· sward composition: positive indicator species
· sward composition: negative indicator species
· sward structure: average height

Objective 9: maintain and enhance condition of chalk grassland areas and where appropriate aim to extend these areas.

Rationale

In past history the extent of open grassland was far greater than the current extent. With the decline in winter grazing and the advent of myxomatosis scrub invasion was allowed to take place. During the Second World War period some areas of open grassland were ploughed up and crops grown. Also some tree planting schemes have taken place on the open grassland. In the past ten years a lot of work has taken place to address this reduction in a nationally important habitat. Winter grazing by sheep has been reintroduced and areas of scattered and thick scrub have been removed. Also tree cover has been reduced to prevent build up of leaf litter which could affect the pH of the soil thus influencing changes in ground flora. All of these management techniques combined together have greatly helped to increase the extent and improve the quality of the chalk grassland.

Management options:
A3 Active management

Site Map