Other Neutral Grassland BNG Units
Medium
Grassland
UK-wide
Trusted by Developers and Landowners
What is
Other Neutral Grassland
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.
Why It Matters for BNG
For Developers
Other neutral grassland provides moderate distinctiveness units and offers predictable enhancement outcomes through cutting and grazing. It suits projects where species-rich grassland cannot be achieved, but where meaningful biodiversity uplift is still required.
For Landowners
Where Does It Grow?
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
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.
How New Other Neutral Grassland is Created
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
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
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
Target Condition
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
The BNG Value of
Other Neutral Grassland
• 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
Species Typical of
Other Neutral Grassland
🌱 Grasses
- Crested dog’s tail (Cynosurus cristatus)
- Red fescue (Festuca rubra)
- Sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum)
🌸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)
🍄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)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Exploring Other Habitats?
Upland Hay Meadow
Upland hay meadows are species rich grasslands dominated by a mix of fine grasses and abundant herbaceous wildflowers such as sweet vernal-grass, wood crane’s-bill, great burnet, pignut, and lady’s mantles. These meadows have developed through long term traditional management that combines light grazing with a late summer hay cut. Rare species including lesser butterfly-orchid and burnt orchid are sometimes found. This habitat is a dense mix of grasses and a wide variety of wildflowers, with no single grass species dominating the vegetation.
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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