Calcareous Grassland Habitats

Question 0

After WW1,

Answer 0

Patterns of farming changed. The use of fertilizer and neglect caused areas to lose their floral diversity.

Question 1

Traditionally grazed by

Answer 1

Sheep during the day.

Question 2

Rare plant species -

Answer 2

Military orchid & Chiltern gentian.

Question 3

Ideal management technique is

Answer 3

Grazing - this removes vegetation more gradually and enables the invertebrate communities to remain in balance.

Question 4

Where grassland has been neglected,

Answer 4

Treatments may include winter burning, cutting, or high density grazing for a short period of time.

Question 5

Sheep are the best option,

Answer 5

They are light enough not to break the turf or cause poaching of the soil.

Question 6

Summer grazing helps to reduce the

Answer 6

Coarse grasses and scrub, but may cause a reduction in nectar supply.

Question 7

Winter grazing can be less harmful to

Answer 7

Invertebrates and may also create gaps for seedling colonisation.