Amenity Grassland

Amenity grassalnds include grassalnds in parks, lawns, school grounds, industrial estates, sports fields and golf courses. They are often insensively managed with fertiliser and herbicide applications, mowed frequently and dominated by grasses such as Perennial Rye-grass (Lolium perenne) and Red Fescue (Festuca rubra). The overall diversity of plants present is often low with very few pollinator-friendly species such as White Clover (Trifolium repens), Daisy (Bellis perennis), Dandelions (Taraxacum agg.) and Common Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata). Where more biodiversity-compatible management regimes are being employed, such as less cutting and cessation of chemical applications, there can be significant increases in diversity with the appearance of mesotrophic grassland species such as Mouse-ear Chickweed (Cerastium fontanum), Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Ox-eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) and Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra). Fungi, including Meadow Waxcap (Cuphophyllus pratensis), Pink Waxcap (Porpolomopsis calyptriformis) and earthtongues (Geoglossum species) may also appear in less intensively managed lawns.