The life cycle of Heather

(Calluna vulgaris)

Heather (Calluna vulgaris) A dominant plant of British

heathlands, grows in four main stages:

Pioneer Building Mature Degenerate

Pioneer Phase 5 - 6 years, from

seedling development and establishment until the plant has developed into a fully formed bush.

Heather cover is small and other species of vascular plants reach their greatest abundance, also mosses and lichens.

Building Phase Up to about 15

years old, until the bush-like form is well-established.

Heather excludes all other species.

Mature Phase To about 25 years old. Heather dominant, but

becoming woody Growth becomes less

vigorous the centre of the bush begins to open and branches grow on the soil surface.

Bryophytes (mainly mosses) colonize the soil surface because of increased humidity beneath the closed canopy.

Degenerate Phase after 30 years, leads to

death

active growth declines and the plant canopy continues to open and exposes more ground.

Bryophytes reach their maximum abundance, other species of vascular plants and Heather seedlings are able to re-establish.

Heather management Prevent succession to

woodland Regenerate heather Young shoots eaten by

grouse and sheep Pioneer phase

important for invertebrates

Invertebrates are food for chicks

Small patches/strips produce edges give access to cover

Heather managementOPTIONS ? Grazing Cutting Burning

Grazing Helps prevent invasion by

trees and shrubs

Encourages branching and layering

Trampling opens up canopy, creates paths

High stocking densities (>1.5 ewes ha-1) reduces heather cover in favour of grasses

Cutting Narrow strips give

long edges Not weather

dependent No risk of wild fire Layering possible Less wildlife value

than burning

Burning Kills heather beetles and

ticks

Cracks open seeds Ash releases nutrients No litter to inhibit seeding Looks ‘natural’ May encourage bracken

invasion

Conservation management

Black grouse

•Open woodland and moorland

Conservation management

Hen HarrierInvertebrates