The following is a short summary of the habitat type and how to create/enhance it to a "good" condition. For an informed position, please refer to official up-to-date Government guidance or the UK Government's Condition Assessment Sheet.

Synonyms: Nut and Hop Plantations

Orchards with a ground cover that is intensively managed (treated with herbicide and heavily mown). This ground cover usually tends to be Modified grassland. Often there are young tree stock and dwarf varieties and species present.

Key Species: Between the bare ground strips controlled by herbicides, species typically include Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne), Dandelion (Taraxacum spp.), Buttercup (Ranunculus spp.), Nettle (Urtica dioica), Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill (Geranium dissectum), Field Forget-me-not (Myosotis arvensis), Germander Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys) and Lesser Burdock (Arctium minus).

Special Notes:

The habitat includes Nut and Hop plantations. This habitat is distinct from traditional orchards due to its intensive management practices. Species diversity within the ground cover can be influenced by the frequency and type of herbicide application and mowing.

Assessment Questions:

- Are there at least five trees present in the area?

Are the trees typical of those found in orchards, bearing fruits, nuts, or hops?

- Is the ground cover under the trees intensively managed, indicated by regular mowing and/or herbicide application?

If YES, then it is likely 'Cropland - Intensive orchards'

How to enhance

It is not possible to enhance this habitat. You may wish to create a new habitat or buy off-site units.

There must be at least 5 trees

Note that a competent person should demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge and experience in creating, enhancing and/or managing arable habitats. You may wish to note that advice will be sought from an agricultural land agent.

You should not create this habitat in:

• cool, north facing shaded locations, as most seeds will not germinate

• places with perennial and arable grass weed problems (Source: HM Government)

Please note that this is a simple guide to help identify the habitat. For a definitive description, please refer to UKHab documentation. Joe's Blooms takes no responsibility for the content of external links.