Heathland Wildlife

Many people who like rambling do so as a result of wide variety of wildlife which it is possible to experience as they explore the outdoors. Obviously, the species that you are likely to see will be dependent on the type of the habitat in which you are hiking. One sort of habitat which is commonly favoured by people is heathland however bilogists distinguish between what's referred to as upland and lowland heathlands as the prevailing climate conditions are rather different and therefore so are the indigenous species. Upland heathland is a desolate terrain most often recognised by purple heather carpets. It exists between 250-750 m above sea level. Well known examples are Dartmoor and Exmoor in South West England, the North Pennines in northern England and much of the upland regions of Scotland. Wetter sections of this habitat include peat bogs, which have a variety of specialist plants which will not grow on drier heaths. Lichens and mosses are essential plants of upland heathland habitat. Bird species that are characteristic of this habitat include Meadow Pipits (supposedly also known as the mountain Mars Bar because it is eaten by everything) Golden Plover and Red Grouse. Summer migrants such as the Ring Ouzel can also be discovered in the rocky outcrops frequent in these types of areas. Birds of prey for example Hen Harriers and Buzzards might be seen over head in search of prey. Lot's of flowers for example Bog Myrtle, Bog Bean, Cottongrass, Round-leaved Sundew, Common Butterwort, Crowberry, Heath Rush and March Violet thrive on upland heathland and attract invertebrates including butterflies like the Green Hairstreak. Bees are also particularly attracted by the nectar which is produced by heather plants. Heathland need to be managed to avoid trees from developing and the habitat becoming woodland. Burning will be carried out on a rotational basis of in between 10 and 25 years. Grazing with cattle or sheep is in addition used to preserve vegetation at a low level. Management strategies should be carried out cautiously; damage will also be caused to upland heathland terrain by overgrazing, burning of the heaths too often, and clearing to create space for conifer plantations. Lowland heathland is a habitat which is below an altitude of 300 m. It is largely located in more southern regions of England and Wales, for example the New Forest in Hampshire, and the Lizard peninsula in Cornwall. This habitat is dominated by dwarf shrubs such as Heather and Gorse. It is a habitat that can be rich with invertebrates including dragonflies, grasshoppers, beetles and spiders, and in addition includes lots of ground-nesting birds such as Stonechats and Nightjars. Little mammals of this habitat consist of rabbits, field voles and wood mice and they can be preyed on by much larger mammals such as foxes, weasels and stoats. Reptiles for example Smooth Snakes and amphibians for example rare Natterjack Toad live in lowland heathland. If heathland is not managed by grazing, cutting or burning, trees like Silver Birch could become established and the terrain could ultimately grow to be woodland. Bracken will also be a conce since it may dominate an area and prevent other species from thriving. On lowland heaths look out for plants like Common Gorse, Ling Heather, Cross-leaved Heather, Bell Heather, English Stonecrop, Heath Bedstraw, Tormentil, Heath Milkwort

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