Maintaining diversity in flower enriched margins.

Abstract

Flower enriched margins support diverse wildlife, consequently agri-environment schemes support establishing flower enriched field margins. In many cases there is a poor outcome as margins become dominated by grass and species diversity is reduced. We investigated whether varying the relative proportion of grass and broadleaves, along with the diversity of broadleaves in the seed mix, would improve the outcome. Although increased broadleaf diversity in the seed mix resulted in a more diverse sward that supported a richer insect community, the proportion of grass in the mix had no effect. To achieve the desired outcome, management must replicate management associated with species-rich grasslands. This is often impractical on narrow arable field margins. Rather, establishing large blocks of 20 m/1 ha which can be managed with a combination of cutting or grazing should be encouraged. Where this is impractical, it is more appropriate to establish conservation headlands that encourage wild arable plants.