Heathland

(lowland heath / bog / acid grassland)

Lowland heath is characterised by open expanses of heather, gorse and grassland on acidic soils at altitudes below 300m. Most areas of lowland heath actually consist of a mosaic of smaller habitats ranging from dry heath to acidic mires. Ling heather, bell heather, and gorse commonly indicate dry heathland areas, alongside a rich variety of rare and common plants including tower mustard, mossy stonecrop and shepherds cress. Where drainage is very poor, wet heathland is characterised by cross leaved heath. Mires support species such as cotton grass, bog asphodel and round-leaved sundew. Other important habitats include seepage mires that are associated with spring lines, areas of open water, and acidic streams and flushes.

Lowland heath supports significant populations of invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles and bird species, some of international importance such as nightjar, woodlark, and Dartford warbler.

Lowland heath is internationally threatened and the U K has 58,000ha which is about 20% of the global total. East Hampshire itself supports 1,600 ha of lowland heath, which is around 10% of the Hampshire total and 2.8% of the U K's figure. Since the late 18th century, 90% of the District's heathland has been lost, whilst public ownership has ensured the protection of the remainder. The rate of loss increased rapidly after the Second World War through urban development, conversion to woodland and farmland, invasion of secondary woodland, and spread of bracken.

The Forestry Commission owns extensive plantations on former heathland sites. Sensitive management is required to achieve a balance between timber production and the existence of a fragmented habitat. Woodland rides and open areas are quickly re-colonised by heather, creating essential corridors for heathland plants and insects. The Ministry of Defence owns much of the heathland within East Hampshire and in 1988 signed a declaration to ensure that its conservation remains a high priority. A significant number of heathland sites are also registered commons, which have their own special protection.

There are four large areas designated as heathland SSSIs in the District: Woolmer Forest, Bramshott and Ludshott Commons, Broxhead and Kingsley Commons and Shortheath Common. Together these sites are designated as the Wealden Heaths Phase II SPA, for the conservation of populations of three internationally important bird species, namely woodlark, nightjar and Dartford warbler.

Woolmer Forest SSSI is the last inland heathland site for the natterjack toad in the UK and the only site in Britain to support all twelve native species of reptile and amphibian.