The use of species-decline statistics to help target conservation policy for set-aside arable land

The success of conservation efforts on set-aside lands in the UK depends to a large extent on shifting its focus to different habitats in various kinds of locations. Results of a species-decline analysis, which reveal a decrease in rare plants in chalk grasslands and dwindling populations of butterflies and grasshoppers in heathlands, wet vegetation and woodland edges, can be used to formulate efficient methods of habitat conservation and management.