Upland Heath

The dry heaths of the National Park are usually dominated by heather. This is particularly the case on the intensively managed grouse moors, where burning to maintain a young vigorous growth and a patchwork of age diversity has enabled heather to become dominant at the expense of the less tolerant species. Occasionally bilberry replaces heather particularly in rocky screes and gritstone edges. On some of the higher altitude moors cowberry and crowberry may be found. Wet heaths are characterised by the abundance of purple moor grass together with cross-leaved heath, other dwarf shrubs and bog-mosses. These wet heaths are very rare in the Dales and are at the southern and eastern edge of their range in Britain. Upland heath is of high biodiversity value. Consequently, this habitat continues to be listed on the UK list of priority habitats for biodiversity action. For more information about heathland plants follow the link below.

Links:

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Upland Heath Habitat Action Plan (opens in new window)