Heathland action plan

Aims
1. To develop a strategic approach to the protection, management, creation and restoration of heathland within London.
2. To promote the value of heathland and secure the involvement of Londoners in its conservation.



Classic heathland is covered mainly by low-growing shrubs such as heather (or 'ling'), which turn it a rich purple in late summer and autumn. This habitat could once be seen on large areas of common land around London, where local people grazed animals and drovers stationed their stock on the way to market. Such grazing helped to keep scrub and trees from invading the open landscape. Heathlands also played a vital role in local communities, as gorse and peat yielded a valued source of fuel and the open nature of heaths presented a perfect setting for village celebrations.

On a global scale the habitat has declined drastically and we in the UK are responsible for looking after twenty per cent of all that now remains. This decline has been acute in London too, where today heathland is limited to a few surviving fragments. Before it disappears altogether, we must act quickly to save these remnants, restore degraded areas and create new heathlands wherever it may be appropriate.

Contact
The Lead for this habitat is English Nature.
Paul Losse
English Nature
Devon House
12-15 Dartmouth Street
Queen Anne's Gate
London SW1H 9BL

Tel: 020 7340 4870
Email: [email protected],
Web: www.english-nature.org.uk

Photo of Heather © English Nature



This is only a summary - download the full audit in pdf or text format

Related documents:
The conservation of Acid Grassland and Heathland on golf courses
MSc Thesis by Samantha Jane Lyme

Advice note on grazing Acid Grassland and Heathland

A Recovery Strategy for London's Heathlands

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