Indicators of Sustainable Development

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Indicator: Trends in plant diversity S3
Changes in mean species numbers within major vegetation groups: 1978 to 1998  
Indicator Chart
Note: * statistically significant changes
Change since
cross 1970
cross 1990
cross 1978-90

Coverage: Great Britain

Source: Defra, CS2000

Objective: Reverse the decline in UK wildlife and habitats
  • Between 1978 and 1990, there were significant declines in plant species diversity in moorland grass, infertile grassland and upland woodland habitats, and an increase in diversity in heath and bog vegetation types.
  • Between 1990 and 1998, significant decreases were identified in plant species diversity in infertile and fertile grassland habitats and in tall grass and herb vegetation types. 


Page last modified: 21 April 2004  |  Page published: 21 April 2004