• Restoring plant diversity

The extent to which plant diversity can be re-established will depend in part on the extent to which individual species have been lost. Where there are populations of the key species still extant, then a return to more traditional grazing management could in time allow the species populations to become reestablished However, where the species diversity has been greatly reduced a more pro-active approach will be required involving the physical re-introduction of plants to the site.

• Restoring invertebrate interests

Restoring a diverse grassland will in turn help the colonisation by invertebrates dependent on grassland species. The situation for those aquatic species (often the more significant) living in drainage ditches, dykes and old creek channels is more complex. Here the level of nutrients in the water, the periodacy of maintenance and emergent plant species are all important. Re-establishing suitable conditions to support the range of species formerly present requires intensive ditch management and of other water courses.