Herbal Leys

Herbal leys are a mixture of varied species selected for their different properties, often used to restore land.

Herbal leys are used successfully within the dairy, beef and sheep industries and the findings have some relevance to the equine sector as well.

There is positive anecdotal evidence of the anthelmintic properties of these swards, in other words they can help to reduce the worm burden in grazing livestock. Many of species studied in herbal leys are also species which form part of a characteristic species-rich grassland.

In general terms, a herbal ley is an interim land cover. Better than a rye grass pasture but not as good as a species-rich grassland. They can be particularly helpful in restoring land which has been for example, compacted over many years. They are sometimes used to remove nutrients from arable land ahead of reversion to species-rich grasslands.

Herbal leys in common with species-rich grassland swards, can have a positive impact in a number of different ways:

On soil quality.
On soil invertebrates.
They are more robust in coping with extreme weather, including drought.
They provide a much broader range of nutrients and minerals due to the range of rooting depths and growing habits.

These benefits are highly relevant to the equine sector. Much of the research and evidence so far points to the individual benefits of plant species to grazing animals including equines. So it further supports the promotion of a varied sward or species-rich grasslands for horses.