The EU Nature Restoration Law envisages the restoration of a significant proportion of
natural and semi-natural ecosystems; within the agricultural landscape, this includes
extensive grasslands—habitats that in recent decades, have either become overgrown or
been converted to intensive use (intensive grassland or arable land). Restoring extensive
grasslands on former arable land or intensive grassland is challenging due to factors such
as high soil nutrient levels, a lack of seed sources for extensive-type species and a lack of
suitable machinery for seeding. Consequently, methods are being tested to rapidly and
effectively establish extensive grasslands that closely resemble preserved grasslands in
the surrounding agricultural landscape in terms of species composition (both flora and
fauna). I will present methods identified in previous research regarding soil preparation,
seed application, seed sourcing, and post-sowing maintenance, while also evaluating their
effectiveness and implementation complexity. Based on a review of the literature, I will
also address the conflicting interests within the agricultural landscape regarding nature
restoration measures and assess the acceptability of extensive grassland restoration to
farmers, as these processes represent a potential new field of conflict between agriculture
and nature conservation.
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