Grasslands are everywhere: agricultural land,
playing fields and road verges; but while species-poor,
intensively managed grasslands are widespread, colourful
semi-natural grasslands and heathlands, buzzing with
life, are scarce. These semi-natural habitats are
ancient, cultural landscapes, which are of considerable,
if not international importance for biodiversity.
However, despite targets for the conservation and
restoration of these valuable grasslands and heathlands,
these habitats continue to decline before our eyes.
Lowland Grassland and Heathland Habitats contrasts the
uniformity of intensively managed grassland with the
diversity of traditionally managed grasslands and
heathlands. It examines topics of concern to the
ecologist or habitat manager such as causes of the loss
and deterioration of these habitats, including
inappropriate management, eutrophication and climate
change. It then evaluates opportunities for positive
change, such as conservation, restoration and creation.
A series of case studies illustrates the pressures on
some lowland grassland and heathland habitat types and
looks at ways to enhance them for biodiversity. This
habitat guide features illustrated species boxes of
typical plants and animals, as well as a full species
list, a series of projects on the ecology of grassland
and heathland species, a colour plate section,
up-to-date references and information, and a full
glossary. It will provide students and environmentalists
with a deeper understanding of the nature and importance
of lowland grasslands and heathlands.
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