TheArrhenatheretumon set-aside at Aldroughty, Elgin

Abstract

Summary The Arrhenatheretum on set-aside in two fields at Aldroughty Farm, Elgin, is described. This vegetation is noteworthy because some of the attractive grassland and wetland species in it are very rare on Scottish set-aside. The species involved (e.g. Carex flacca, Dactylorhiza purpurella, Rhinanthus minor) are generally entirely absent from lowland farmed landscapes, but populations do occur in areas of semi-natural habitat at Aldroughty. It is concluded that, as far as most long-term set-aside is concerned, vegetation of greater conservation value does not develop thereon owing to non-availability of the necessary seeds.