Seeds of natural grassland plants

In the past, during the era of traditional farming, seeds of natural grassland plants spread naturally through haymaking and livestock grazing. Tiny seeds clung to the fur of cattle, travelled from one corner of a pasture to another, were deposited where animals rested, and scattered along the way when hay was transported. This ensured not only that plants dispersed, but that they could travel considerable distances. In this way, diverse and resilient natural grassland ecosystems were formed and maintained.

Today, natural seed dispersal has become significantly limited. That is why human involvement is often necessary.

When is it necessary to introduce seeds of natural grassland plants?

• To restore flower-rich grasslands in areas where the original vegetation has been ploughed or overgrown
• In natural grasslands located in areas with a high proportion of intensive agricultural land
• In areas where grasslands have been sown

Grassland plant seeds can also be sown in private gardens, yards or urban green spaces to increase biodiversity and become more familiar with native wild plants.