This dataset contains vegetation abundance data and sward height data from a number of plots across a restoration gradient within South West England. The restoration gradient covered intensive land use (referred to in the data as reference or control), restoring and pristine habitats. Data were collected between April and July in 2014. Vegetation abundance was recorded as percentage cover of species within a 1m x 1m quadrat. Five quadrats were recorded per plot. Sward height was recorded using two methods: drop disc or direct measure. Five height measurements were taken using both methods at each site. To protect the anonymity of private landholders, details of sampling plot location is not provided with this dataset. The data were collected by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology as part of the Tellus South West project. Full details about this dataset can be found at https://doi.org/10.5285/110199cf-245e-4fa8-a9ca-386657b5fe20

Vegetation data from botanical field survey of trials of selective herbicide impacts on tor-grass (Brachypodium pinnatum s.l.) control at Martin Down NNR, England. The data relate to 50 cm × 50 cm quadrats placed in herbicide treated and control plots in a replicated experiment, including a baseline (pre-treatment) survey in 2012 and three surveys after repeat treatments in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Data include percentage cover of plant species, bare ground and plant groups (total grasses, total forbs) as well as data on plant indictor status and Ellenberg N value. The data cover areas of both sparse B .pinnatum cover, with the goal of preventing B. pinnatum from increasing to dominance, and dense B .pinnatum cover, with the goal of reducing B. pinnatum cover to a level which allowed the reestablishment of other calcareous grassland species. Data have been used to analyse herbicide impacts on the cover of target species B. pinnatum and non-target species groups (other grasses, forbs, positive indicators, negative indicators, arable indicators), as well as community level analyses (Ellenberg-N weighted cover, DCA). Full details about this dataset can be found at https://doi.org/10.5285/43095c2d-b959-4216-8362-0fb18deed1e6