land used for grazing or mowing which is not normally treated with mineral fertiliser
HABITAT ACTION PLANS March 2003 UNIMPROVED NEUTRAL GRASSLAND DEFINITION Neutral grasslands are found on moist mineral soils with a pH of between 5 and 6.5. They do not normally occur on soils which combine extremes of acidity or alkalinity with extremes of wetness or dryness. Unimproved and Semi-natural Grassland Unimproved neutral grassland is now rare, and subject to further threat as pressure increases to maintain or increase farming profitability. There are currently fewer than 10,000 hectares of unimproved neutral grassland remaining in England. Excellent examples of neutral unimproved grassland are found at Priory Meadows and Snuff Mill Fields, north-west of the City. Grassland is defined as open habitat, with less than 30% tree or shrub cover, in which grasses dominate. Different combinations of environmental conditions and management have created a wide range of grasslands in Britain. Context. Neutral grassland is characterised by vegetation dominated by grasses and herbs on a range of circumneutral soils. It includes dry hay meadows and pastures, together with a range of grasslands which are periodically inundated with water or permanently moist. Unimproved grassland. 'Unimproved grassland' means land used for grazing or mowing which is not normally treated with mineral fertiliser or lime and does not constitute either improved grassland or rough grazings. Unimproved grassland contains a significant presence of sensitive plan species indicative of native u They support a rich variety of flowering plants and several species characteristic of unimproved grassland, including Adder's-tongue, Cowslip, and Pepper Saxifrage (Silaum silaus). It includes enclosed and managed grassland such as hay meadows and pastures, a range of grasslands that are covered with water periodically, permanently moist or even waterlogged grassland, and unmanaged grassland. Unimproved neutral grasslands are rare.
http://www.gmbp.org.uk/site/images/stories/pdf/unimprovedneutralgrassland.pdf http://www.hull.ac.uk/HBP/ActionPlan/Grassland.htm http://www.hull.ac.uk/HBP/ActionPlan/Grassland.htm http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-3560 http://www.gov.scot/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/RuralPriorities/Options/BrackenManagement/DefinitionsofLandTypes http://www.hull.ac.uk/HBP/ActionPlan/Grassland.htm http://www.hull.ac.uk/HBP/ActionPlan/Grassland.htm
define unimproved grassland