Relevees of arable weed vegetation were made using the Tansley method. The investigated sites are situated in arable fields with different types of management. The most valuable vegetation of arable fields can be found in nature reserves, while areas with organic farming and naturemanagement agreements also yield good results. The importance of the various vegetation types present are discussed. As arable weeds belong to the most endangered plant groups of the Dutch flora, the Protection Plan Arable Plants came into effect recently. The advantages and disadvantages of this plan for the conservation of arable weeds are discussed. It is argued that arable fields need a certain minimum area and need to be a part of an ecological infrastructure in order to be effective for conservancy of arable weeds. A more systematic regional elaboration is necessary.