More of England's heathland needs to be designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) to safeguard endangered animals and plants, according to Natural England.

The poor condition of lowland heathland across England is putting stone curlews, nightjars and sand lizards and other endangered species of animals and plants in even greater danger of extinction, NE has warned.

On Monday (21 January) NE published the results of a survey measuring the biodiversity of heathland in England outside of legally protected conservation sites.

The study found that all surveyed sites were in poor condition and did not meet the standards set for SSSIs. Even those areas receiving payments for conservation management through agri-environment schemes were not up to the grade, although many did show signs of recovery.

Action to be taken

"There is clear evidence that many of the larger heathlands - such as the Devil's Punch Bowl in Surrey and the East Lizard peninsula in Cornwall - managed for conservation and recreation are in better condition. To help restore other sites to these high standards we must ensure that they are properly targeted through stewardship schemes to secure appropriate management," concluded Sir Martin.

The condition of lowland heathland: results from a sample survey of non-SSSI stands in England is the first survey of its kind for heathlands in England.

Over 100 areas across the country were surveyed as part of the research project.

Lowland heathland is a priority habitat under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan which sets targets to maintain the extent of all existing lowland healthland, improve the management of these sites and encourage the re-establishment of new sites.

Which plant and animal species are affected?

Many of these species are endangered due to the reduction in the habitat available or the lack of appropriate management such as grazing.

Why has there been a decline in the condition of lowland heaths?

Lowland heathlands were widely used until the mid-19th century. Trees were cut for firewood or building material bracken was used for animal bedding gorse for fodder heather for fodder, animal bedding or thatching. This and grazing maintained heathlands as open habitats in areas of nutrient-poor soils.

By the mid-1800s and early 1900s large cities were developed on heathlands including London and Bournemouth. Many heathlands were planted with conifers or, later and thanks to the development of inorganic fertilisers, they were transformed into arable land. At the same time, the remaining heathland fragments became isolated and less important in the farming economy, so they ceased to be managed and were 'scrubbed up'.

How much of the UK is covered in lowland heathland?

Most recent estimates are around 90,000 ha (nearly 60,000 ha in England) representing a high proportion of the European resource. Heathlands characterised by heather Calluna vulgaris are only present in Western-Atlantic Europe.