Other Neutral Grassland BNG Units

Other Neutral Grassland (ONG) is defined as neutral grassland that does not meet the criteria for Lowland Meadow or Upland Hay Meadow. It is defined by what it is not, rather than by its own distinctive species list.

ONG is often semi-improved, but can still be species-rich and ecologically valuable. It supports wildflowers and grasses typical of neutral conditions and is maintained by low-intensity cutting or grazing. While it does not qualify as a priority habitat, it contributes to biodiversity, carbon storage, pollinator support, and landscape connectivity.

Other Neutral Grassland occurs widely across the UK, in both lowland and upland fringe settings. It is found on:

• Former hay meadows and pastures that no longer meet meadow criteria but retain neutral swards
• Arable reversion projects and rewilding schemes where neutral grassland establishes naturally
• Farmland where inputs have been reduced but not eliminated
• Transitional grasslands between improved pasture and species-rich meadows

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Soil Preferences

ONG develops on neutral soils, neither strongly acidic nor calcareous, usually loams or clays of moderate fertility. Soil fertility is a key factor: enrichment through fertilisers pushes swards toward Modified Grassland, while nutrient depletion and continuity of low-input management can move them closer to meadow status.

Inputs

• Drill wildflower seed directly into the sward or prepared ground to introduce a wider range of species.
• Reduce nutrient inputs by halting fertiliser use
• Cut and remove hay to gradually lower fertility
• Introduce native wildflower seed, including green hay or brush-harvested seed
• Use cattle or aftermath grazing to maintain open structure

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Management

• Apply late hay cuts to allow flowering and seed set
• Avoid ploughing or reseeding, which would reset the habitat to Modified Grassland
• Manage invasive species and maintain flexibility in timing of cuts and grazing

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Landscape

• Establish in proximity to existing semi-natural grassland to support colonisation
• Target arable reversion or semi-improved pastures for conversion
• Use ONG as a stepping-stone habitat linking ecological networks

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Inputs

• Continue low-input management to maintain soil fertility levels
• Restore hydrological function through ditch and water level management where needed

Management

• Adjust grazing pressure to avoid both overgrazing and neglect
• Vary cutting dates in response to seasonal conditions
• Introduce seed of missing species into gaps where management has lapsed
• Control invasive or dominant grasses through mowing or grazing regimes

Landscape

• Expand grassland area by restoring adjacent semi-improved fields
• Retain or reinstate traditional hay cutting and grazing practices
• Increase habitat diversity across larger sites through varied interventions
• Plan adaptively for climate change, allowing management to respond to hotter summers and wetter winters

ONG in medium and good condition should:

• Support a moderate diversity of grasses and herbs typical of neutral swards
• Show low dominance of ryegrass and other improved grassland species
• Demonstrate continuity of low-intensity management such as hay cutting or aftermath grazing

• Distinctiveness: Medium

• Condition Potential: Can be uplifted from poor to good through management

• Restoration Pathway: Recognised outcome when Modified Grassland is enhanced

• Strategic Value: Provides biodiversity uplift where full meadow restoration is not feasible, and strengthens ecological networks

🌱 Grasses

• Crested dog’s tail (Cynosurus cristatus)
• Red fescue (Festuca rubra)
• Sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum)

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🌸Herbs and Wildflowers

• Common knapweed (Centaurea nigra)
• Bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)
• Ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
• Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor)
• Red clover (Trifolium pratense)
• Green-winged orchid (Orchis morio)
• Field gentian (Gentianella campestris)
• Snake’s head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris)
• Sulphur clover (Trifolium ochroleucon)

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🍄Fungi and Invertebrates

• Waxcap fungi (Hygrocybe spp.)
• Earth-tongue fungi (Geoglossaceae)
• Bumblebees, butterflies, and grasshoppers
• Yellow meadow ant (Lasius flavus)
• Linnet (Carduelis cannabina)
• Meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis)
• Field vole (Microtus agrestis)