Habitat Spotlight Series: Other Neutral Grassland (ONG)
As part of our 'habitat spotlight series', we’re taking a closer look at the different habitat types that frequently come up in biodiversity assessments, planning discussions, and habitat creation projects. In this series we’ll explore a different habitat in more detail - what it is, where it occurs, its ecological value, and how it’s treated within the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) framework.
Today, we’re starting with Other Neutral Grassland (ONG) - a commonly occurring but often misunderstood habitat.
Other Neutral Grassland (ONG) is a widespread and relatively common grassland type found across much of the UK, particularly in lowland areas. Typical locations include road verges, railway embankments, and unmanaged pastures.
While “ONG” is often referred to as a single habitat type, in reality it encompasses a range of grassland communities, generally distinguished by their dominant grass species. These habitats are usually found on neutral soils, and are characterised by a moderate plant species diversity, typically ranging from 9 to 15 species per square metre.
In terms of ecological value, ONG sits midway between high-quality habitats - such as species-rich Lowland Meadows (a Priority Habitat) - and more species-poor habitats, like intensively managed amenity grassland or mown lawns. ONG supports a moderate range of invertebrates, including bees, moths, and butterflies, and provides foraging and nesting opportunities for a variety of birds, as well as habitat for amphibians and small mammals.
Under the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) metric, ONG is considered a medium distinctiveness grassland type. It does not qualify as Lowland Meadow or Upland Calcareous Grassland, which are of high or very high distinctiveness. Consequently, creating ONG habitat is generally less demanding—in terms of management and restoration - than recreating higher distinctiveness grasslands.
Did you know that every 90 days we do a review of the pricing of BNG across England?
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