Grassland is the UK's most important crop by area covering just over half of the entire UK landmass - nearly three times as great as all other crops combined. This dominance in area derives from the relatively wet temperate climate of the UK which favours grass and its growth. In the UK there are few natural climax grasslands - nearly all have resulted from man's past activities. The three main types are considered below.

Rough grazing is uncultivated grassland that is found on the mountains, hills, moors and heaths of the UK. For the most part it is "uninmproved" receiving no fertiliser and suffering from difficulties such as poor drainage, steep slopes and physical obstructions. Rough grazing covers approximately 5.6 million hectares, about 23% of the UK land area, and is relatively unproductive with livestock grazing extensively.

Permanent grassland (or pasture) is grassland that is maintained perpetually without reseeding, however grassland that is at least five years old is often defined as "permanent" as well. In the UK most of the truly permanent grassland has been created through the gradual "improvement" of rough grazing over the centuries, for example by drainage and the application of fertiliser.

Rotational grass is grass which is sown every few years as part of an arable crop rotation where it is often known as a grass ley. Although grass leys are expensive to establish,they are very productive in their early life and play an important role in a mixed farm by returning organic matter to the arable rotation. Over time the vigour of a ley will decline and if it is not resown it will revert to the species mix and characteristics of permanent grassland.

Rough grazing is predominantly found in the upland areas of the country where it is largely grazed by sheep. This sort of grassland is often composed of many different species of plant that are adapted to survive in poor growing conditions and tends therefore, to be rich in biodiversity. Rough grazing can provide an adequate maintenance diet for sheep, but animals that are to be fattened for slaughter will need a higher quality diet.

Permanent grassland and pasture forms the backbone of most livestock farming operations in the UK and covers nearly a quarter of the total land area. Permanent grassland often contains a diverse mix of plants, is resistant to poaching and provides good growth throughout much of the growing season. Permanent pasture is widely used in sheep, beef and dairy enterprises.

Rotational grass, or grass leys cover around 1.2 million hectares, approximately 5% of the UK land area, and are mainly found on mixed arable and livestock farms. Young leys of rotational grass respond well to fertiliser and produce lots of lush grass early in the season that is best suited to silage making or for feeding to milking cows.

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