This dataset contains pollinator abundance data from 13 calcareous grassland, 13 heathland and 12 woodland sites within Dorset, UK. The sites were selected to represent a range of habitat types across a condition gradient as measured by levels of degradation from the original habitat. The original habitats were identified as being calcareous grassland, heathland or woodland from a survey conducted in the 1930s. Butterflies, bees, hoverflies, flies and beetles were recorded to species level and the plant species insects were foraging on was also recorded. Data were collected on three different dates in 2017 and 2018: calcareous grassland in June, July and August; heathland transects in May, August and September; and woodland transects in May, June and July. Full details about this dataset can be found at https://doi.org/10.5285/190b7ef8-1997-4424-a087-882cd7673e23

[This dataset is embargoed until September 1, 2024]. Vegetation data from field surveys undertaken at two experimental trials at Martin Down NNR, to investigate the potential for reducing dense Brachypodium pinnatum cover (experiment 1) and preventing further expansion of sparse cover (experiment 2). Experiment 1 explores the use of herbicide and reseeding, whilst experiment 2 examines cutting and grazing in the spring, autumn and both seasons. Percentage cover of all vascular plant species were recorded in 50 cm x 50 cm quadrats in each treatment replicate for both experiments. Surveys were undertaken in 2019 as a baseline before the experiments commenced, and post treatment in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Full details about this dataset can be found at https://doi.org/10.5285/f15e64c0-db65-40ec-8b6d-50573f5f6694

This dataset contains carbon and nitrogen data from soils and vegetation from 13 calcareous grassland, 13 heathland and 12 woodland sites within Dorset, UK. The sites were selected to represent a range of habitat types across a condition gradient as measured by levels of degradation from the original habitat. The original habitats were identified as being calcareous grassland, heathland or woodland from a survey conducted in the 1930s. Within each site, 15cm deep soil cores were taken and analysed for total nitrogen, total carbon and bulk density. Within the same area for each site, vegetation samples were taken from five 50cm quadrats and separated into herbacous or shrub layers before analysis for total carbon, total nitrogen and dry weight. Heathland and calcareous grassland sites were visited in summer 2017 and woodland sites were visited in summer 2018. Full details about this dataset can be found at https://doi.org/10.5285/ea43c2d1-88f5-4692-a09d-0ef4d96e0f35

Vegetation species and soil data from a large national survey of calcareous grasslands, carried out in Great Britain in 1990-1993 (referred to as 1990) and 2006-2009 (referred to as 2007). Up to 128 12x12m plots were surveyed from across the country, selected on the basis of being representative of the calcareous grassland type. Details about plant species and soils were collected using standardized survey methods. The 1990 survey was completed under a contract from the Department of the Environment, by Lancaster University. The repeat survey in 2007 was completed under a NERC Grant by staff from Lancaster University, York University, Radboud University, Countryside Commission for Wales, National Museum Wales and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. Full details about this dataset can be found at https://doi.org/10.5285/38a73c7b-3e3c-4517-a33f-bd28b292b9e1

The floral resources provided to pollinators by different sown plant experimental plant communities were assessed under ambient and experimental drought conditions. The dataset includes the abundance and diversity of floral resources in all plant communities and more detailed information on the nectar quality and quantity provided by three focal plant species. Pollinator visit surveys were carried out on selected plots. These data can be linked to the related 'Ecosystem functions and vegetation data for Winklebury Hill, Salisbury Plain, UK in 2016' (https://doi.org/10.5285/e8a1bf2d-bc6b-452f-ab9d-40fa2288fce6) collected as part of the Wessex BESS project, funded by the NERC Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Sustainability research program. Full details about this dataset can be found at https://doi.org/10.5285/eb2bc7a2-4bd8-455d-8f0d-7d379540e967