Action Plan: Lowland Heathland

Lowland heathland is generally found in areas with poor soil conditions at an altitude below 250m, and are generally characterised by dwarf shrubs such as heathers and gorses. These landscapes are becoming increasingly endangered with only 16% remaining in the UK since 1800, making it a priority for nature conservation and affecting many rare plants and animals such as the marsh damselfly, nightjar and sand lizard, whose habitats only exist in such areas. Some of the primary causes of lowland heathland deterioration in the UK include development of roads and urban areas, mining for mineral resources commonly found in lowland heathland, agricultural practices such as overgrazing and fertilizer application, and abandonment and overgrowth. Lowland heathland sites need to be correctly managed in order to prevent the decline in quality and quantity of locations. Invasive species such as bracken, gorse and scrub need to be controlled, and rhododendron and gaultheria (shallon) are increasingly escaping from private gardens preventing growth of native heathland species. Recreational activities need to be monitored to prevent damage caused by excessive walking, cycling, horse-riding and fires. Schemes are currently being carried out in order to restore and reclaim sites which have previously supported lowland heathland and to create new heathland in areas where appropriate soil conditions are present, such as some post-industrial sites.