As with other lowland semi-natural grasslands of wildlife interest, species-rich floodplain meadow has sustained large but unquantifiable losses over the last 50 years, primarily as a result of agricultural intensification. More recently gravel extraction, urban and industrial development, and water abstraction have added to the pressures and losses.
Of all lowland grassland types of conservation importance, meadows have historically been most vulnerable to agricultural improvement. This is because they are typically located on flat ground which can be easily drained and ploughed, and they have naturally high levels of soil fertility because of their long history of flooding, with sediment and nutrient deposition.
