Evaluating the success of upland hay meadow restoration in the North Pennines, United Kingdom, using green hay transfer

Abstract Traditionally managed mesotrophic species‐rich upland hay meadows conforming to the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) MG3b are one of rarest grassland types in United Kingdom, with substantial declines botanical diversity over last 50 years. Intensive spring grazing, earlier cut dates and increases soil fertility cause a decline characteristic positive indicator species meadows, shifting communities from MG3b, NVC MG6 finally species‐poor MG7 meadows. The North Pennines Area Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership's Hay Time project aimed improve knowledge investigate success seed addition key species. A landscape‐scale restoration programme was undertaken between 2006 2012, harvesting 82 donor spreading onto 89 receptor (222.82 ha). Seed harvested as green hay, using two donors: (classed restoration, such Rhinanthus minor ) enhancement, Geranium sylvaticum ). All were monitored, baseline survey repeat 3–5 years after addition. In addition, 41 that did not have monitored (controls). Species richness, floristic composition improved 77 Eighteen plant had an increase frequency but control most successful eight indicators which annuals or fast‐growing perennial plants ( Anthoxanthum odoratum , Euphrasia spp., Myosotis discolor Plantago lanceolata Ranunculus acris R Trifolium dubium pratense However, rarer Alchemilla G. Cirsium heterophyllum showed little signs establishing. Botanical evidence is demonstrating way restoring community. What now needed effective method establish plants. Hand‐collecting seeds establishing plug plants, alongside maintaining traditional management practises, possible forward.