Summary: It is now widely recognized that farmland biodiversity plays a major role in providing essential ecosystem services. Restoring it is therefore a priority, yet remains challenging, particularly for insect assemblages. In my research group we conduct large-scale experiments in degraded grasslands and agricultural field margins to test restoration and conservation measures. For instance, we investigate different proactive reseeding methods such as hay transfer, as well as the addition of structural elements such as stone and branch piles. While plant species richness increased rapidly in reseeded grasslands, most invertebrate groups responded weakly, suggesting the presence of limiting factors beyond vegetation. In contrast, adding structural elements along field margins promoted stoat, reptile and invertebrate populations.