Written question asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party) on Monday, 23 February 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 March 2026. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Monday, 9 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Grasslands: Conservation

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect waxcap grasslands; and what steps they have taken toward creating a waxcap grassland habitat of principal importance.

Answer: Natural England is undertaking work to map waxcap grasslands and to understand their conservation status. In addition, Natural England is currently reviewing priority habitats, and the potential inclusion of waxcap grasslands within these habitats is being considered as part of the review. Under the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme, waxcap grasslands can be identified as a target feature for funding to prevent agricultural improvement or conversion that may threaten these grasslands.

Secondary information