Seed sources for grassland restoration

This note is one of a series providing information on grassland restoration and re-creation.

Resource explained

Wildflower and grass seed is used widely in agri-environment schemes. The three main sources of seed are natural regeneration and colonisation, directly harvested mixtures (including green hay), and field cropped seed.
This note provides information relevant to selecting the most appropriate source for specific sites and situations. Links are provided to the voluntary Code of Practice for growers and suppliers of native flora, and information on seed marketing regulations.

Findings & recommendations

• Wildflower seed used for the restoration or re-creation of species-rich grassland should be British native origin.
• Commercial seed of certified agricultural or amenity grass and legume varieties may be used in specific circumstances.
• Natural regeneration and colonisation should always be considered, but is only likely to work well in a few specific circumstances.
• Directly harvested seed is seed collected from a donor site, e.g. by brush or combine. It allows selection of seed from a site that closely matches the receptor site. However it requires specialist machinery and potentially repeated harvesting events.
• Green hay is a related method and has the advantages of not requiring specialist machinery and using fresh seed.
• Field cropped seed is the main method used by the commercial seed industry. It allows selection of a precise seed mix, but there is generally a restricted range of species available, and some are very expensive.
• The marketing of certain seed species (including some grasses and legumes) is regulated. Sowing agricultural or amenity varieties may prejudice use of the sown areas as donor sites for further restoration. Uncertified seed may be sold in mixtures for the restoration and re-creation of semi-natural habitats, but suppliers must register with Defra.

Associated Agricology Partner Organisation(s):