British Intensive Agricultural Grasslands - Production & Biodiversity: Introduction

The typical dense and damp sward
of an intensive grassland

British intensive agricultural grasslands are areas which are efficiently farmed solely for the production of high yields of grass. This near monoculture significantly affects the biodiversity of the area. Apart from selected grasses, few other plants can survive. This is because the crop is so dense and also because of the repeated cutting and grazing which occurs throughout the grass growing season.

Badgers find earthworms in the grasslands

Some wildlife, such as deer and rabbits, benefit from these areas. Intensive grasslands also support invertebrates such as slugs and worms. These are eaten by a variety of animals including badgers,foxes, slowworms and toads.

The grass provides food for dairy cows, beef cattle and sheep

Intensive grasslands are grazed by dairy cows, beef cattle and sheep. They produce the animal products we eat or use. Dairy cows produce milk for human consumption. In addition to this, products such as cheese and butter are made from milk. Beef cattle provide meat and by-products such as leather. Sheep which graze the grasslands, especially in winter, provide us with meat and wool.

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