Cumbrian uplands contain extensive areas of Britains heathland. Heaths are found on nutrient-poor acidic soils and are typically made up of dwarf shrubs such as common heather (ling), bell heather, cross-leaved heath, gorse and some juniper. Both wet and dry heaths are found in Cumbria.

Heaths have a natural appearance but actually developed as a result of forest clearance for agriculture around 5,000 years ago. Upland heaths are recognised to be of international importance and their distribution is limited to the western seaboard of Europe which includes the UK. There is an estimated 2 million hectares of heath in the UK of which over 20,000 hectares are located in Cumbria. Over 35% of the heaths in Cumbria have been lost in the mid to late 20th century due to agricultural improvements, afforestation and overgrazing. There is one National Nature Reserve, Moorhouse in the North Pennines, and ten Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Cumbria noted for their upland heaths.

Dry heath is dominated by heather, bilberry and bell heather whilst wet heaths typically support cross-leaved heath and purple moor-grass. Wet heath occurs in waterlogged valleys and is often associated with blanket bog in the uplands. As with other habitats the upland heaths of Cumbria are influenced by climate, altitude, slope and how they are managed.

Our upland heaths are particularly important for the variety of bird and invertebrate species which their specialised habitat supports. This includes red and black grouse, hen harrier, merlin, peregrine falcons, curlew, lapwing, golden plover and twite. Heaths also support some uncommon ground beetles and the emperor moth as well as adders, natterjack toads and the threatened wood ant and fungus gnat.

Good management practices for conservation of the heathland habitat for both flora and fauna involve light grazing in summer to prevent the development of woodland and only occasional very controlled burning of limited areas for grouse shooting or grazing. Drainage of wet heaths can damage the heathland habitat.

Did you know that……………

Wild Thyme is found in upland pastures, on barren and dry soil, in heathland and on ledges. Although more familiar as a culinary herb, wild thyme was used as an antiseptic and tonic for the immune system, an anti-asthmatic to relieve breathing problems, an anthelmintic to dispel or destroy intestinal worms and for its aromatic properties. Externally it can be used as a tonic to relieve bites, aches and pains, fungal infections and scabies and lice.

Butterwort
Butterwort is a relatively inconspicuous but attractive plant which makes its home on wet heaths, bogs and mountain ledges. When we think of the flora of the fells it is often to appreciate their beauty, but the carnivorous butterwort isn’t particularly attractive if you’re an insect. Once an insect lands on the fleshy butterwort leaf the sticky glands hold it fast while the leaf curls tightly around it like a claw. A digestive enzyme is then released which breaks down the still live insect. After meal time the leaf opens again leaving the dried remains to be blown or washed away by the weather ready for the next unsuspecting victim.

Butterwort gets its name from its ancient use as a botanical rennet. When chopped finely into a muslin bag and added to milk, after a couple of days the milk curdles ready for making butter or cheese. If left for a shorter time it separates the cream from the milk. Butter made from the milk of a cow that has eaten butterwort was said to be good for new-born babies but this is not its only association with milk, it was also said to have protective powers. Hoops of plant stems woven and placed under milk storage jugs, pails and churns to would prevent milk being spirited away by fairies.

Useful links
Northern Uplands Regeneration Project
The Moorland Association
Biodiversity Action Plan