This dataset comprises Alpha diversity and functional metrics estimations of soil bacterial and fungal communities and soil chemical properties (pH and electrical conductivity) in samples collected from 60 calcareous grassland restoration sites and a further six wildcard sites made up of ancient grasslands and rewilding sites, all in southern England. Samples were taken in 2021. Soil samples were collected using a 10cm soil corer, with accompanying information on site management during the sampling year as well as the historic age of the restoration site. DNA was extracted from the soil and sequenced for metagenomic analysis. Full details about this dataset can be found at https://doi.org/10.5285/8c8a836c-2117-4a36-bc1b-214b40e66feb
