TIN 066 – Arable reversion to species-rich grassland: site selection and choice of methods

This note focuses on the creation of species-rich grassland on former arable land, e.g. for taking less profitable areas out of cultivation such as on steeper and wetter or more remote land, or land with very poor soil. It covers the benefits of arable reversion (e.g. for reducing erosion risk on steep slopes, increasing carbon and improving biodiversity); the likely impacts on productivity; legislative issues; site selection; and restoration methods, including consideration of when natural regeneration might work.

The guide was originally written to support Environmental Stewardship schemes and is now no longer be found on the Natural England website. We have linked to a copy on the Herefordshire Meadows website, which also has other useful meadow resources. See also other guidance on establishing a species-rich sown sward and the early management of a species-rich sward.