| UKHab |
g3 – Neutral Grassland g3a – Lowland meadow |
| NVC reference | MG5 – Cynosurus cristatus–Centaurea nigra neutral meadow (with calcareous grassland influence and limited damp meadow elements) |
| BNG Suitablility | A perennial-only, MG5-led Lowland Meadow mix designed specifically for UKHab g3a delivery under Biodiversity Net Gain. |
| Site conditions | 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. |
Species-Rich Neutral Grassland Mix (UKHab g3a / NVC MG5)
This meadow mix has been developed to support the creation of a species-rich Lowland Meadow, suitable for use in Biodiversity Net Gain projects where the target habitat is neutral grassland (UKHab g3/g3a). It is designed to establish a resilient, long-term meadow sward under appropriate low-input management.
The mix includes a strong core of characteristic neutral meadow species, such as lesser knapweed, oxeye daisy, field scabious, meadow cranesbill, red clover, bird’s-foot trefoil, yarrow and yellow rattle, supported by a carefully balanced selection of fine-leaved meadow grasses. Together, these species reflect the structure and floristic character of traditional lowland hay meadows.
Species selection has been informed by MG5 (Cynosurus cristatus–Centaurea nigra) neutral meadow communities, with the emphasis placed on perennial species that contribute to stable, species-rich grassland over time. Final vegetation composition will depend on soil conditions, management and site history, but the mix is well suited to projects aiming to deliver a robust and defensible Lowland Meadow outcome rather than short-term floral display.
Long-term success will depend on appropriate establishment and ongoing management, particularly regular hay cutting and removal of arisings to maintain low fertility and allow wildflowers to persist.
| Common Name | Latin Name | % | Key Indicator Species |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common (lesser) knapweed | Centaurea nigra | ✔ | |
| Oxeye daisy | Leucanthemum vulgare | ✔ | |
| Field scabious | Knautia arvensis | ✔ | |
| Meadow cranesbill | Geranium pratense | ✔ | |
| Red clover | Trifolium pratense | ✔ | |
| Bird’s-foot trefoil | Lotus corniculatus | ✔ | |
| Yellow rattle | Rhinanthus minor | ✔ | |
| Yarrow | Achillea millefolium | ✔ | |
| Selfheal | Prunella vulgaris | ✔ | |
| Salad burnet | Sanguisorba minor | ✔ | |
| Musk mallow | Malva moschata | ||
| Ribwort plantain | Plantago lanceolata | ||
| Sorrel | Rumex acetosa | ||
| Teasel | Dipsacus fullonum | ||
| Greater knapweed | Centaurea scabiosa | ||
| Wild carrot | Daucus carota | ||
| 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 |
