Semi-natural grasslands (SNG) in Europe provide agricultural, biodiversity, and ecosystem services but their extent and conservation status is uncertain due to inconsistent definitions. SNG can support livestock production through forage production and quality, though output varies depending on plant and livestock species. Lambs grazing different SNG habitats produced meat with varying fatty acid profiles and quality attributes. SNG deliver provisioning, supporting, regulating, and cultural ecosystem services including food, nutrient cycling, climate regulation, and recreation. Their future role will depend on challenges like climate change, food security, and rural land use policies that influence agricultural management and conservation of these multi-functional landscapes.

1. Relevance and functionality of semi-natural grasslands in Europe: status quo and future prospective

8. Livestock performance from semi-natural grassland

11. Saltmarsh Heather: mainly dry, acidic Improved: lowland with Lolium Moorland: mosaics wet and dry SNG

12. Biodiversity as an input Plant fatty acid content (mg 100g -1 dry weight) Salt-marsh Heathland Moorland Sig. SFA 610 b 511 a 430 a ** MUFA 157 137 119 ns n-6 PUFA 414 b 399 b 233 a * n-3 PUFA 1023 c 708 b 477 a *** Total FA 2541 b 2158 b 1512 a ***

17. Multi-functionality: a unifying concept for policy makers to maximize the relevance of semi-natural grassland?

20. Thank you for your attention