Rewild London Fund 2021

The Chase LNR River, Wetland & Meadow Restoration and Creation

The Chase Local Nature Reserve (LNR), managed by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, is a thriving biodiversity hotspot spanning 48 hectares. It encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including horse-grazed meadows, acid grassland, marshland, river, ponds, woodland, and scrub. 

The Slack Bird Sanctuary, a crucial part of The Chase LNR and recognised as a Site of Metropolitan Importance, is under threat. This sanctuary plays a vital role in supporting wildfowl and waders but had been adversely affected by the invasive New Zealand Pigmyweed, which had overrun the mud shore and shingle beaches, impeding the feeding and nesting of these bird species. Additionally, the encroachment of hawthorn scrub had led to the degradation of the surrounding wet meadow. Furthermore, the River Rom, a significant wildlife corridor running through the Chase LNR, had suffered a reduction in its natural floodplain that historically sustained diverse wetland species. 

To address these challenges, a comprehensive four-phase restoration plan was delivered, supported by funding from the Rewild London Fund. The project aimed to restore the Slack Bird Sanctuary and create a new biodiverse wetland floodplain adjacent to the River Rom. The restoration efforts included mechanical removal of encroaching scrub from the meadow, reintroduction of seasonal grazing, control of invasive species, expansion of feeding and nesting areas by importing shingle, and the creation of new wetland habitats through the excavation of interconnected scrapes. 

Through this Rewild London Project, London Borough of Barking & Degenham was able to improve the management of one SINC and around six hectares of coastal and floodplain grazing marsh and flower-rich grassland. 

These videos show the project in progress and complete:

Interconnecting Network of SINCs for Hedgehog Conservation (IN SINC)  

IN SINC worked across SINCs in North London to fill data gaps on hedgehog presence. This project was a collaboration between the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), The Heath & Hampstead Society, Heath Hands, the Royal Parks and the City of London Corporation. It brought together 13 SINC managers to collaborate and discuss hedgehog conservation.  

Hedgehogs are a much-loved priority species, but their populations are in decline. We know that urban and suburban environments are increasingly important for the UK’s hedgehog population, as rural hedgehogs face threats from agriculture, pesticides and other pressures. To protect London’s hedgehogs, we need to know where they are and how they use and travel across our green spaces. Regent's Park and Hampstead Heath are two sites known for their hedgehog populations, but we need to better understand and improve their connectivity across SINCs. By working with communities and site managers to conduct camera trap surveys, this project sought to establish hedgehog presence in sites around the hedgehog hotspots. This allows us to understand how hedgehogs move between habitats, improving our understanding of urban hedgehog behaviour and building the case for hedgehog-friendly adaptations to gardens and streets. This data also allows site managers to make changes to their management plans to protect hedgehogs. 

This project engaged local communities and volunteers, fostering long-term interest and activity in hedgehog conservation. The Rewild London Fund support sparked further local action to understand and conserve hedgehogs. Project partner Heath Hands started a new project - Hedgehog-Friendly Heath - that has employed a Hedgehog Officer in 2023 to assist IN SINC partners and community groups to develop hedgehog corridors. The Heath and Hampstead Society will continue to facilitate involvement of local groups in this activity and will lead on the development of a biodiversity corridor in the planned Murphy’s Yard development in Kentish Town, which includes the Hampstead Heath to Kentish Town City Farm SINC corridor. Working together and with ZSL, City of London and local groups, these initiatives will make use of and build on the results of the IN SINC project.

Habitat improvements at EaBI03: Smith's Farm, Marnham Fields, Bridge Farm Open Space & Greenford Lagoons [G132]  

Greenford Lagoon's reedbeds have suffered from siltation and the dominance of common reed and scrub, resulting in a loss of biodiversity, including species like reed warblers and reed buntings. To address this, the project by the London Borough of Ealing cleared half to one-third of the encroachment, excavating the central areas to a depth of 1-1.5 meters, and banking the spoil at a suitable distance. These measures aim to restore the ecological value of the reedbeds and improve maintenance access.  

At Marnham Fields, where two-thirds of the site was planted with 10,000 trees, the remaining meadow areas have seen a reduction in scrub encroachment. The project has cleared scrub to maximise the extent of the meadows and sow a mix of native grasses and perennial wildflowers.  The project sowed yellow rattle to control grasses and enhanced the meadows on Smiths Farm and a nearby SINC. Additionally, a section of scrub adjacent to a separate meadow area was removed and sown with a species mix suitable for linnets, which have experienced a decline nationally, and to create basking spots for slow worms.

Due to heavy rain and flooding that curtailed work on the lagoons, the initial three lagoons that were meant to be excavated were reduced to two.  The Linnet meadow, wildflower meadow, basking spots, and pond were successfully completed as planned. Through this Rewild London Fund project, London Borough of Ealing improved the management of one SINC, and around three hectares of flower-rich grassland and reedbeds. 

Enfield Conservation Grazing  

The Enfield Conservation Grazing Project, led by Enfield Council in partnership with Capel Manor College, aims to enhance grassland and meadow habitat management in two country parks within the London Borough of Enfield. The project is reintroducing grazing cattle to improve the management of Forty Hall Park and Estate, Whitewebbs, and Trent Park, both of which are located in or near SINCs. The goal is to demonstrate the sustainable approach of using large grazing animals to restore and enhance these spaces, making them better connected and managed. 

This project is in progress and is due to complete in December 2023. To ensure effective management with minimal environmental impact, the project is utilising innovative technology such as GPS collars to control and adapt grazing areas as needed, eliminating the need for physical barriers. Enfield Council has sought guidance from Epping Forest and visited sites like the Knepp Estate to learn from best practice.   

Capel Manor College, London's specialist environmental college, are providing training through practical outdoor, and online sessions. This collaboration aims to engage the local community, train volunteers as “lookers” to monitor the herd and promote a sustainable approach to grassland management while enhancing the ecological value of the parks in the London Borough of Enfield. 

Creation of Multifunctional Reedbed Habitat on Lee Navigation

The project aimed to create approximately 145 metres of new reedbed habitat along the Lee Navigation. The reedbeds were established at two locations: near Stonebridge Lock and at Lee Park Way, both of which are hard bank sections of the river. With the assistance of volunteers, Thames21, and the Canal & River Trust staff, floating ecosystems were installed to provide a multifunctional environment. The projects primary goals included the creation of habitat for various species, including invertebrates, fish, birds, and water voles. Additionally, the project aimed to improve water quality and address pollution issues from Pymmes Brook. The new habitat also contributes to the connectivity and resilience of the Lee Valley SINC by connecting with Tottenham Marshes. 

The Canal and River Trust manages the Lee Navigation, and their vision involves transforming the waterways, creating areas where biodiversity can thrive. Installing floating habitat is a crucial aspect of this vision. The project sites are managed by Trust staff responsible for routine maintenance, and they receive support from the community group Stonebridge Coalition, which actively engages in litter picking and other environmental initiatives. The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA) is involved in routine grounds maintenance, including grass cutting. 

This project has successfully demonstrated a collaborative, multi-agency approach to maximise project benefits, involving exchange of ideas, material and best practice between project partners. They were able to draw upon the expertise of each of the partners to develop the installation plan and deliver training. Through this Rewild London Fund project, Canal & River Trust were able to improve the management of 1 SINC, and around 300 hectares of priority habitat. 

Ancient Woodland Restoration

London Borough of Haringey is home to four Ancient Woodlands: Bluebell Wood, Coldfall Wood, Queens Wood, and Highgate Wood. These woodlands are managed by Haringey Council's Parks Service, except for Highgate Wood, which is managed by the City of London. 

 Local voluntary groups, such as the Friends of Bluebell Wood, Coldfall Wood, Queens Wood, and The Conservation Volunteers actively contribute to the conservation efforts in these woodlands. 

Haringey Council is conducting a comprehensive review of their SINCs. This evaluation aims to assess the condition, habitat type, and grade of these sites, providing valuable information for the development of the Haringey Local Nature Recovery Plan, Parks and Green Spaces Strategy, and management objectives for biodiversity conservation, water, climate change mitigation, and flood management. 

To address the growing pressures posed by increased use, flash flooding, and climate change, the project focussed on the development and implementation of specific management plans for the three ancient woodlands. These plans aimed to increase the resilience of the woods to the impacts of climate change and ecological degradation and protect and promote biodiversity and connectivity. The project also gathered evidence on woodland conditions through ecological surveys and data analysis to inform short-term management objectives and the development of local nature recovery plans, in the longer term. 

Throughout the project, the team actively promoted community participation and provided a range of volunteering opportunities to raise awareness about wildlife, climate change and wellbeing and to enhance green skills amongst local residents. The project team developed new management objectives that outline strategies for ongoing nature restoration, continuous monitoring, and involving the community in future decision-making processes, to preserve and enhance these invaluable habitats for future generations. 

Alexandra Park Wetlands  

The Alexandra Park Wetlands project aimed to enhance habitat variety and connectivity, increase species diversity, reduce flood risk, foster community stewardship, and provide outdoor educational and health benefits. Developed by the Hornsey Wetlands Action Group (HWAG), this initiative is part of a larger project proposal that includes the adjacent SINCs). A Working Group consisting of the Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust, Thames Water, Haringey Council, and HWAG was established to explore the proposal further. 

The site, located in the southeast corner of Alexandra Park, features a mix of woodland, meadows, and drainage networks. The project carried out surveying on the underground pipes, drains, and sewers to aid design and allocate resources for repairs and maintenance. By improving connectivity with the Wood Green Reservoirs SINC and by managing the tree canopy, the project aimed to create an ecotone and enhance the structural variety of the habitat. To attract various bird species, including warblers and rails. 

Although some delays were experienced due to limited rain, which limited the Trust’s ability to track and survey water flows in the SINC, the project was ultimately able to put together a working group and produce valuable recommendations to future management and development of the SINC. Through this Rewild London Fund project, Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust were able to improve the management of one SINC, and around three hectares of lowland meadow, rivers and streams, and reedbeds. 

Making the Difference – Bentley Priory 

Bentley Priory is a unique and diverse local nature reserve (LNR), featuring a combination of grassland, woodland, scrub, wetland, and open water. The reserve supports a wide range of bird species, notable plants, and vegetation types, thanks to its varied topography, geology, and hydrology, and its history of past management. While the condition of this Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) was considered favourable overall, negative indicators and ongoing changes necessitated urgent, targeted intervention to retain its ecological value. 

The project, led by the London Borough of Harrow, focused on the western part of the reserve and included restoration of a structurally diverse scrub-grass matrix; enhancing wetland and woodland areas, improving grazing and tackling invasive species. 

Through these interventions, the use of new technologies and community engagement, the Making the Difference project sought to target conservation efforts more effectively, improve the ecological status of Bentley Priory, and raise awareness about its significance within Harrow’s Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and London's SINC network. 

The main habitat interventions and volunteer tasks proceeded largely in kickstarting future activity. Follow-up enhancement works are planned, in tandem with supporting the ongoing development of the site volunteer group. Through this Rewild London Fund project, the London Borough of Harrow was able to improve eight hectares of lowland meadow, acid grassland, species-rich woodland and associated wetland within one key SINC in north-west London. 

Community Focused Wetland Improvements at Old Redding Nature Reserve 

The Old Redding Complex (ORC) is a significant metropolitan area with diverse woodlands, heathlands, and water bodies, including Gilbert's Lake. This lake, created by W. S. Gilbert, is home to rare and protected species like the great crested newt, water shrew, and common frog. Managed by Harrow Council as the Old Redding Nature Reserve (ORNR), the site is strategically located on a watershed between the Pinn and Brent catchments to the south and the Colne catchment to the north. Over the past decade, ORNR has suffered from the negative impact of invasive species such as rhododendron, cherry laurel, and bamboo. Additionally, Gilbert's Lake has silted up, causing a reduction in its water-filled areas during summer. In response, the Harrow Nature Conservation Forum, in collaboration with Harrow Council, had taken charge of site management. They formed a dedicated team of volunteer wardens who actively organise working parties, recruit volunteers, and conduct guided walks to improve the reserve's condition. This project, led by the Harrow Heritage Trust, aimed to improve Gilbert’s Lake and the other water bodies on the site to enhance biodiversity and create a healthy habitat for rare species such as the great crested newt. These improvements recovered connectivity within the site itself and between surrounding ponds in Grims Dyke Farm SINC (Colne catchment) and lakes and streams in Bentley Priory SSSI (Brent catchment). 

A survey determined the baseline population status of great crested newt, followed by the establishment of a resilient wetland area in Gilbert's Lake. Invasive plants were removed, and native wetland species replanted. Ponds and marshes were created along watercourses to serve as stepping stones for amphibians. Volunteer wardens manage and maintain the wetland habitat, and community engagement activities were organised. Post-project surveys assessed the success of the habitat enhancement efforts. 

The group will continue to improve the nature trails including a new interpretation panel near Gilbert’s Lake, new roundels and a new information board at the entrance.

Dagnam Park Habitat Restoration

Dagnam Park, also known as The Manor, and its adjacent open space in Harold Hill, offer a diverse range of wildlife habitats, including species-rich grassland, ancient woodland, ponds, scrub, and veteran trees.

The site has been managed under a Higher-Level Stewardship Agreement since 2013, with a focus on restoration and maintenance of grassland, hedgerow management, scrub and pond management, and woodland preservation. 

This project by the London Borough of Havering aimed to complement the existing agri-environment agreements and improve ecological linkages between two SINCs. It addressed barriers to site management and conducted ecological survey work to inform better management practices.

The project included a rewilding strategy to enhance habitat management; improved access routes; ecological survey work to support an extension of the SINC boundary; enhancement of hedgerows; and training volunteers to conduct pond surveys and embed improved pond management techniques. 

The project also focused on sustainable management practices, such as natural regeneration for wood-pasture creation and the installation of floating eco-islands and hibernacula to support pond biodiversity. 

By implementing these initiatives, the project was able to improve the overall ecological health of Dagnam Park and The Manor, enhance wildlife connectivity with the neighbouring Ingrebourne SINC, and engage the local community in conservation efforts. The project created or restored over 90 hectares of priority habitat, including lowland meadow and species-rich woodland.

Spider Park Wildlife Corridor  

Spider Park, spanning 12 hectares in the floodplain of Yeading Brook, is an integral part of the Crane Catchment's ecological corridor. While a small section of the park is designated as a SINC, the majority of the area was dominated by species-poor grassland with patches of scrub and willows. 

To enhance biodiversity and public enjoyment, the project by the London Borough of Hillingdon converted over 2 hectares of monotonous grassland into a vibrant hay meadow. This transformation involved implementing a hay-cutting regime, removing hay in late summer to maintain low soil fertility and promote the growth of delicate wildflowers. Additionally, the project planted 8,000 tree whips to establish woodland copses and managed Salix fragilis (Crack Willow) trees along the riverbanks through pollarding and coppicing to improve safety and light penetration. 

The project has planted the cornflower meadow and the woodland copses, involving local scout groups and schools in planting sessions and restored a pond. By enhancing existing habitats within the SINC area and creating a buffer zone with new habitats in nearby fields, Spider Park's wildlife value has been greatly enhanced, benefiting the entire ecological corridor.  

Get InVOLEd - Hogsmill River Water Vole Reintroduction  

Citizen Zoo embarked on an ambitious project to reintroduce water voles to the Hogsmill River in Kingston, aiming to reverse the decline of this charming mammal. Once abundant, water voles disappeared from the Hogsmill River due to predation by invasive American mink and habitat degradation. However, extensive community-led habitat mapping identified viable areas for a water vole reintroduction along a 2.45km stretch of the river within the Hogsmill Valley SINC. 

The project involved intensive monitoring of the newly released water voles and other riverine mammals. Citizen Zoo expanded their monitoring capabilities by utilising tools such as camera traps, latrine rafts and state of the art bioacoustic recording devices. Additionally, habitat restoration sessions were delivered, involving volunteers working on litter picking, removal of invasive species like Himalayan balsam, native planting, shade reduction, and the construction of barriers to protect crucial habitat areas from human and dog interference. 

This project not only aimed to restore the water vole population in the Hogsmill River but also sought to promote wider ecological benefits through community engagement. Activities such as educating dog walkers about the impact of their actions on water voles and the environment were undertaken to raise awareness and reduce threats such as attacks, poaching, stress on wildlife, and pollution from flea treatments.  

At the point of completion, Citizen Zoo had successfully released 101 water voles into the Hogsmill River ecosystem at a well-attended public release event. The project completed all proposed camera trapping and surveying activities and carried out ten habitat restoration sessions along the river before the water vole release. Citizen Zoo continues to work with local volunteer groups to survey and track the water vole populations.  This project improved the management of three SINCs and around 8.5 hectares of rivers and streams. With the support of the Rewild London Fund, Citizen Zoo has been able to make a meaningful difference in conserving the water voles and restoring the health of the Hogsmill River ecosystem. 

Restoration of Bell Green Pond  

Bell Green Pond, situated within the River Pool Linear Park SINC, had been facing challenges due to eutrophication and encroachment by marginal vegetation which resulted in a lack of open water. The improvements proposed by the London Borough of Lewisham aimed at changing this underutilised resource to become a thriving habitat for wildlife and a valuable educational space for families and schools. This project included de-silting the pond to create more open water while retaining some vegetation for biodiversity and filtration purposes. Additionally, coppicing of willow trees aimed to allow more light to reach the pond and reduce leaf fall. 

The restoration project entailed various enhancements, such as re-profiling the banks, installing a pre-vegetated floating island, planting marginal pond plants, and constructing a pond dipping platform for outdoor learning. Thanks to local volunteers, and the project partner Friends of the River Pool, several habitat features such as hibernacula, dead hedges and a stag beetle loggery were created using materials from the restoration works. By revitalising the pond, the project has improved habitats for biodiversity, benefiting plant and animal species, including invertebrates, amphibians, and the local bat population. 

The installation of the pond dipping platform and interpretation signage, combined with engagement activities, encouraged the local community and schools to engage in outdoor learning and citizen science.    

The project has successfully increased the capacity of the pond to store both rain and flood water and improve its ecological function. In addition to the agreed outputs, the team at the London Borough of Lewisham also installed two benches and delivered extra school and volunteer sessions.  

The Greenway Pollinator Trail  

Newham Council has designed a Pollinator Trail along over 6km of The Greenway, a significant pedestrian and cycle route in East London. The trail aims to unlock the ecological potential of The Greenway, enhance biodiversity, and improve the overall experience for users. It features wildlife exploration stops, including a Wild Bee Garden and interpretation panels situated at key points along the trail, equipped with QR codes that take visitors to a webpage with further information and educational resources. This initiative builds upon previous projects, including the introduction of wildflower meadows, and aims to create links to nearby points of interest while improving habitat and planting. The Pollinator Trail supports Newham's strategic priorities of greening the borough, promoting nature recovery, and responding to the Climate Emergency. 

The aims of the project have been met. The team at Newham are incredibly proud of the work to create a wildflower corridor that runs across the centre of the borough and builds on connections to surrounding SINCs. By running educational workshops and planting events and giving seeds away to the local community, they hope that the habitat will continue to spread further. Maintenance will be undertaken by the grounds maintenance teams and the featured areas will also be looked after by community volunteers. Through this Rewild London Fund project, London Borough of Newham were able to improve the management of six SINCs, and around two hectares of flower-rich grassland. 

Managing Meadows  

Southwark Council’s Parks Team undertook a project to enhance the management of their meadows across several SINCs. The objective of the project was to improve existing meadows and areas of amenity grassland in collaboration with Butterfly Conservation's Big City Butterflies project, focusing on reducing nutrient levels in the soil through grass cutting and collection. This approach promotes the growth of finer grasses and wildflowers, creating a more favourable habitat for butterflies and a diverse range of species. 

To support these efforts, Southwark Council’s Parks Team acquired two tractor-mounted cut and collect flail mowers. This specialised equipment has enabled their Grounds Maintenance team to implement enhanced meadow management practices. Southwark’s Parks Team maintains around 20 hectares of conservation meadow and has designated an additional 22 hectares of amenity grass for biodiversity enhancement by halting general mowing. 

When finished, the project had successfully met its aims and the flail mowers are enabling the team at Southwark to manage the SINC in a more biodiversity minded way. Through this Rewild London Fund Project, Southwark Council has improved the management of seven SINCs, and around 25 hectares of flower-rich grassland. 

North Camberwell Wildlife Corridor 

The project connects the large SINC of Burgess Park to the smaller SINC of Benhill Nature Garden, with nature stepping stones through the Ellington Estate, transforming low-maintenance grass and hard surfaces into biodiverse habitats. Friends of Burgess Park collaborated with Southwark Nature Action Volunteers, Ellington Community Gardens and Southwark Council grounds maintenance team to ensure wildlife-friendly practices and ongoing involvement of residents and volunteers in the project.  

Due to a new development on one of the proposed restoration sites, the project was able to deliver five habitat improvements instead of six. The nature stepping stones provide more resources and resilience for wildlife populations and more opportunities for people living on the Ellington Estate to experience nature in daily life. The project introduced small fruit trees, fruiting bushes, perennials, using native and wild species, and reduced mowing. All sites are highly accessible and visible to passers-by. The theme of “pollinators” was central to engagement with local residents - about the nature corridor, two insect hotel workshops with the local primary school and local families that live on the estate – and was the basis for the planting choices to support a wider range of insects and birdlife.  

Link the SINCs  

The project by the London Borough of Sutton aimed to improve connectivity between Roundshaw Downs, a significant nature conservation site in Sutton, and other chalk grassland areas in the borough. Roundshaw Downs, spanning approximately 31 hectares, consists of valuable calcareous grassland but is separated from other chalk grasslands in the borough by suburban developments and greenbelt land. The goal was to create stepping stones of replica chalk grassland along the North Downs, connecting existing sites that support key butterfly species, including the small blue, chalkhill blue and dark green fritillary, as well as other pollinators. 

This initiative sought to enhance landscape-scale connectivity for these priority butterfly species like chalkhill blue and dark-green fritillary, with a delivery of new priority chalk grassland habitat as 'butterfly banks'. Over the past decade, the London Borough of Sutton has actively created small-scale chalk scrapes and butterfly banks in various locations, with plans to establish more in the future. These efforts, and the new works supported by the Rewild London Fund, aim to increase climate resilience for pollinators and raise public awareness about the importance of chalk grassland habitats and their significance for rare and endangered species.

Go Rewild Project  

The Friends of Pimp Hall and Nature Reserve (FOPHPNR), in collaboration with Waltham Forest Council, have been actively managing the Pimp Hall Nature Reserve since 2015. Their Rewild London Fund project further enhanced biodiversity and habitat connectivity at the site. The project aimed to create new priority habitat within the reserve and extend the connection to Pimp Hall Allotments. This involved planting a traditional orchard of hazel and fruit trees, establishing a native hedgerow along the allotment/reserve boundary fence, and restoring a historic pond. 

The pond restoration has enhanced this habitat for various species, such as amphibians, reptiles, and bats - that have all been recorded in both sites. These initiatives have enhanced habitat quality, promoted wildlife conservation, and strengthened the ecological link between the Nature Reserve and Pimp Hall Allotments. 

Friends of Pimp Hall delivered the project as planned and met the aims of the project successfully. Through this Rewild London Fund project, the Friends of Pimp Hall Park and Nature Reserve were able to improve the management of one SINC, and almost six hectares of species-rich woodland and orchards. 

Biodiversity Improvements in King George's Park  

King George’s Park, declared a Local Wildlife Site in 2000, is a valuable wildlife corridor in Wandsworth, featuring a shallow urban lake, secondary woodlands, and scrub parcels. Enable Leisure and Culture's Rewild London Fund project aimed to enhance the biodiversity value of the site by creating and improving habitats as outlined in the Wandsworth Biodiversity Strategy, including wildflower-rich grasslands, woodland copses, and scrub areas. By expanding and diversifying these habitats, the project looked to support the resilience of various species in the face of climate change. This central location in the borough also presented an important opportunity to address the scarcity of recent pollinator records. 

The project involved several interventions, including mowing, raking, and rotovating existing grasslands using shire horses; sowing native grasses and wildflower seeds; installing temporary fencing for establishment support; monitoring and removal of unwanted species; and providing sufficient watering during the establishment period. Additionally, the project included planting native trees, shrubs, and ground covers, as well as creating stag beetle loggeries from tree works elsewhere in the borough.  

Enable Leisure and Culture successfully delivered a range of habitat improvements in the park, and multiple Shire Horse cut and collect days, which were well attended by local schools and groups eager to learn more about the project. Through this Rewild London Fund Project, Enable Leisure and Culture improve the management of one SINC and around 1.25 hectares of species-rich woodland and flower-rich grassland.