The conservation management of upland hay meadows in Britain: a review

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AbstractUpland hay meadows conforming to MG3 in the National Vegetation Classification of the UK are a rare habitat in Britain and are largely confined to upland valleys in northern England. Agricultural intensification, particularly ploughing and reseeding and a shift from hay‐making to silage production over the last 50 years, has resulted in large losses of species‐rich upland hay meadows. Remaining species‐rich meadows have been the focus of much nature conservation effort resulting in many of the species‐rich sites being protected by statutory designations or through voluntary agri‐environment scheme agreements. Research and monitoring has tended to confirm that species richness is maximized by management involving spring and autumn grazing, a mid‐July hay cut, no inorganic fertilizer and possibly low levels of farmyard manure. Deviations from this regime result in a loss of species richness. Restoration of semi‐improved grassland to swards resembling species‐rich MG3 also requires a similar regime but is also dependent on the introduction of seed of appropriate species. The role of Rhinanthus minor as a tool for manipulating meadow biodiversity during restoration management is discussed. Suggestions for future research are outlined.