THE CHANGING EXTENT AND CONSERVATION INTEREST OF LOWLAND GRASSLANDS IN ENGLAND AND WALES - A REVIEW OF GRASSLAND SURVEYS 1930-84

This study has examined the changing extent of lowland grassland, in England and Wales, over the last half century. The proportions of semi-natural, and agriculturally improved grasslands were also assessed. Total grassland area has declined from 7.8 M ha, 50 years ago, to just 4.8 M ha now. The decline in extent of unimproved grasslands also started in the 1930s, accelerated through the war years, and has continued steadily ever since. The main agents, at first, were drainage and the plough. However, inorganic fertiliser use has increased simultaneously, improving even old unploughed grasslands. Only 0.6 M ha of semi-natural and rough grasslands remain in lowland England and Wales, making up only 11% of the total grassland area. Semi-natural pastures excluding rough grasslands now cover only 0.2 M ha, 4% of the present-day grassland area and 3% of its area 50 years ago. Semi-natural pastures which survive have often seen some agricultural improvements, so that relatively few retain their conservation interest.