Upland moors and heaths

The upland habitats and species assemblages found in the British uplands (and lying above the upper reaches of enclosed farmland) are of international importance. The main moorland communities are dominated by Calluna vulgaris, with Vaccinium myrtillus or Eriophorum vaginatum. Objectives for conservation management are discussed followed by an overview of the management options and associated problems. Considerable space is allocated to the practise of burning (to maintain diverse Calluna age-structure) as the premier management tool on upland moorland. Grazing and cutting are also covered. Brief treatment of bracken control, drainage/fertilisation, and heather restoration is also included. The chapter finishes with a section on how to judge the success of management. -S.R.Harris