Other Lowland Acid Grassland BNG Units
High
Grassland
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What is
Other Lowland Acid Grassland
Other Lowland Acid Grassland (OLAG) is a species-poor to moderately diverse acid grassland found on low-fertility, acidic soils in lowland areas. This habitat develops as a short, species rich sward of fine grasses, herbs, mosses and lichens adapted to low pH and low nutrient availability. The habitat appears as a low, even turf with small flowering plants scattered through the grassland.
Why It Matters for BNG
For Developers
For Landowners
Where Do They Occur?
Other Lowland Acid Grassland (OLAG) occurs on acidic sandy, gravelly or peaty soils in lowland areas. It often appears on remnant grasslands, commons, heathland fringes and historic pasture that has avoided intensive improvement. These sites frequently form part of wider lowland mosaics with heath, scrub and open woodland.
Soil and Site Requirements
This habitat requires acidic soils with a pH below 5.5. Substrates include sands, gravels and shallow peaty deposits. Low nutrient conditions are essential, and drainage should remain natural. Avoid fertiliser, lime or soil enrichment, which would shift the habitat away from its characteristic species.
How Other Lowland Acid Grassland Is Created
Inputs
• Restore acidic, low nutrient soils through appropriate soil management
• Introduce native acid grassland species through seed mixes or green hay
• Remove invasive plants and early scrub to protect establishment
• Allow natural colonisation where nearby acid grassland exists
Management
• Apply low intensity grazing or periodic cutting to maintain short turf
• Retain some bare ground for invertebrates and small herbs
• Prevent scrub encroachment through regular control
• Maintain soil acidity by avoiding nutrient enrichment
Landscape
• Restore OLAG within wider mosaics of heathland and semi natural grassland
• Connect scattered acid grassland patches to improve ecological networks
• Position restoration in areas with existing acidic substrates or historic grassland
Target Condition
Other lowland acid grassland in its defined BNG condition should:
• Support fine grasses such as sheep’s fescue and common bent
• Contain herbs such as tormentil, heath bedstraw and bird’s foot trefoil
• Maintain low nutrient, acidic soils with pH below 5.5
• Present a short, species rich sward with patches of bare ground
• Retain mosses and lichens typical of acid grassland
• Avoid dominance by scrub or coarse grasses
The BNG Value of
Other Lowland Acid Grassland
• Distinctiveness: High, due to rarity and specialist species
• Condition Potential: High, where low nutrient conditions and grazing maintain diversity
• Habitat Connectivity: Strengthens lowland mosaics of heath, scrub and woodland
• Climate and Landscape Context: Supports resilient lowland ecosystems and specialist invertebrates
Species Typical of
Other Lowland Acid Grassland
Canopy or Primary Layer
• Sheep’s fescue (Festuca ovina)
• Common bent (Agrostis capillaris)
• Red fescue (Festuca rubra)
Shrub or Secondary Layer
• Occasional heather (Calluna vulgaris) in mosaic areas
• Sparse dwarf shrubs where OLAG merges with heathland
Ground Flora or Understorey
• Tormentil (Potentilla erecta)
• Heath bedstraw (Galium saxatile)
• Bird’s foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)
• Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia)
• Heath speedwell (Veronica officinalis)
• Mosses including Cladonia and other acid tolerant species
• Lichens on open soil and dry turf
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Upland Calcareous Grassland
Upland calcareous grassland is a springy, species-rich habitat occurring above approximately 250–300 metres on lime-rich, or “base-rich,” soils. The habitat develops as a short, species rich sward of calcicolous grasses, herbs and orchids adapted to alkaline conditions and cooler upland climates The grassland appears patchy and open, with fine grasses, colourful herbs and scattered rock outcrops. Wild thyme, common rock rose and bird’s foot trefoil often grow alongside sheep’s fescue and upright brome, creating a varied mosaic.
Upland Acid Grassland
Upland Acid Grassland is a mix of fine grasses, mosses and small herbaceous plants adapted to low pH and limited nutrients. This habitat appears as an open grassy landscape, often dominated by mat grass or purple moor grass. Texture and color come from all patches of tormentil, heath bedstraw and scattered mosses.
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