The natural regeneration of vegetation under set-aside in southern England.

Abstract

The naturally regenerating vegetation of set-aside fields was surveyed on 21 farms in the south of England between 1989 and 1991. The proportion of annual species declined as the vegetation developed, while the proportion of perennial species increased. The presence of adjacent semi-natural habitats influenced which species occurred, while soil characteristics had a lesser effect. It is concluded that in some situations set-aside can introduce valuable habitat diversity into the countryside.