Why are agricultural meadows typically lowland?

Low lands are flat and well irrigated. Over the centuries, the soil has received tons of fertile alluvions carried over by rivers, and it favors good yields. Populations more easily settled in low lands and cities are usually there. read more

Agricultural meadows are typically lowland or upland fields upon which hay or pasture grasses grow from self-sown or hand-sown seed. Traditional hay meadows were once common in rural Britain, but are now in decline. Ecologist Professor John Rodwell states that over the past century, England and Wales have lost about 97% of their hay meadows. read more

§ Areas of Lowland meadows and pasture normally fall within the scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations for use of Uncultivated Land and Semi-Natural Areas for intensive agricultural purposes. read more

Each part of the UK boasts its own specialities, but the one characteristic shared by traditionally managed lowland meadows is the high number of herbs and grasses – they can frequently boast up to 30 grasses and 100 or more wildflower species. read more