Dwarf-shrub heaths are almost entirely confined to western seaboard of Europe, so the UK holds a high proportion
High brown fritillary_Rob Petley-Jones (Natural England)

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Upland Heathland

Upland heath Bowland Fells_Jon Hickling (NE)

Upland heathland occurs on hills and moors between 300 and the climactic tree limit at 600-750m. Similar vegetation below 300m is covered by the Lowland heathland habitat statement. This habitat incorporates both dry and wet heath vegetation.  

In general, upland heathland overlies base-poor strata, such as millstone grits, but occasionally this vegetation can occur on calcareous rocks, such as Carboniferous limestone, where the soil is deep enough to separate the surface from the influence of the bedrock.

Wet heath develops on acid, peaty mineral soils and thin oligotrophic peats, which are sometimes flushed. Wet heath generally overlies base-poor strata. Wet heath vegetation is characterised by a mixture of dwarf-shrubs, graminoids and mosses.

Current Status

Dwarf-shrub heaths are almost entirely confined to the western seaboard of Europe, because of this the UK holds a high proportion of the European heathland resource. Upland heathland forms extensive stands on the moors and fells of NW England, however upland wet heath is far less extensive in NW England than is upland dry heath.

Nationally important examples of upland heathland vegetation are found in the Lake District, northern Pennines, Forest of Bowland and Peak District.

For further information please see the document for download on this page.