| Planting Depth |
g3 – Neutral Grassland g3a – Lowland meadow |
| Measurements | MG5 – Cynosurus cristatus–Centaurea nigra neutral meadow (with calcareous grassland influence and limited damp meadow elements) |
| Materials | A perennial-only, MG5-led Lowland Meadow mix designed specifically for UKHab g3a delivery under Biodiversity Net Gain. |
| Ingredients | Neutral soils; low to moderate fertility. Open sites managed through traditional hay cutting with removal of arisings. Best results where nutrient inputs are avoided, and long-term meadow management is maintained. |
Lowland Meadow Seed Mix
This wildflower seed mix has been developed to support the establishment of species-rich neutral grassland on neutral, low-fertility soils. It is suitable for traditional hay meadows, pasture restoration, and Biodiversity Net Gain projects. The mix combines a wide range of perennial wildflowers with fine-leaved grasses, reflecting the typical structure and composition associated with MG5 (Cynosurus cristatus–Centaurea nigra) neutral meadow communities.
Dominated by characteristic meadow species such as knapweed, lady’s bedstraw, oxeye daisy, bird’s-foot trefoil, and yellow rattle—a key hemi-parasitic species that helps reduce grass vigour—the mix is designed to establish a resilient and long-lasting sward rather than a short-term floral display. Species selection emphasises perennial diversity and ecological stability, supporting pollinators and wider biodiversity over time.
The mix performs best under traditional low-input management, particularly annual hay cutting with removal of arisings. Final vegetation composition will depend on soil conditions, site history, and management, with optimal results achieved where soil fertility is kept low and nutrient inputs are avoided.
| Common Name | Latin Name | Key Indicator Species |
|---|---|---|
| Agrimony | Agrimonia eupatoria | ✔ |
| Betony | Betonica officinalis | ✔ |
| Bird's-foot trefoil | Lotus corniculatus | ✔ |
| Common meadow rue | Thalictrum flavum | ✔ |
| Common sedge | Carex nigra | ✔ |
| Cowslip | Primula veris | ✔ |
| Devil's bit scabious | Succisa pratensis | ✔ |
| Dropwort | Filipendula vulgaris | ✔ |
| Eyebright | Euphrasia officinalis | ✔ |
| Field scabious | Knautia arvensis | ✔ |
| Great burnet | Sanguisorba officinalis | ✔ |
| Lady's bedstraw | Galium verum | ✔ |
| Lesser knapweed | Centaurea nigra | ✔ |
| Marsh bedstraw | Galium palustre | ✔ |
| Meadow vetchling | Lathyrus pratensis | ✔ |
| Meadowsweet | Filipendula ulmaria | ✔ |
| Oxeye daisy | Leucanthemum vulgare | ✔ |
| Pignut | Conopodium majus | ✔ |
| Ragged robin | Silene flos-cuculi | ✔ |
| Rough hawkbit | Leontodon hispidus | ✔ |
| Salad burnet | Sanguisorba minor | ✔ |
| Sneezewort | Achillea ptarmica | ✔ |
| Yarrow | Achillea millefolium | |
| Yellow rattle | Rhinanthus minor | ✔ |
| Browntop bent | Agrostis capillaris | |
| Crested dog’s-tail | Cynosurus cristatus | |
| Strong creeping red fescue | Festuca rubra | |
| Chewings fescue | Festuca rubra | |
| Slender creeping red fescue | Festuca rubra | |
| Sweet vernal grass | Anthoxanthum odoratum | |
| Yellow oat-grass | Trisetum flavescens |
