Agricultural intensification and the loss of habitat,species and amenity in British grasslands: a review of historical change and assessment of future prospects†

Grassland in Britain is a plagioclimax vegetation type. All lies on land originally cleared from forest and, without some form of management, would revert to forest through a process of natural succession. Traditionally managed, unsown grasslands nonetheless resemble more natural grasslands in other parts of the world and contain a substantial proportion of our native flora and fauna. They are also often important for recreational activities. Agricultural intensification over a long period has led to a loss in their extent, species and amenity. Reconciling agricultural and environmental objectives in grassland management is very difficult because increased fertility and production invariably leads to species loss. Current overcapacity in the agricultural industry is leading to the switching of some agricultural support from food production to countryside management. As a result some arable and intensively managed grass is being managed more extensively. However future production technologies may be so efficient that very many fewer stock are required with the result that much marginal grassland may revert once again to forest.