Northern heather moorland increasing
14 August 2000
Northern heather moorland increasing
By FWi staff
HEATHER moorland habitat in the North of England is on the increase for the first time in 50 years , according to the Moorland Association.
The steep decline in acreage been steadily reversed during the last 15 years, figured released by the association show.
More than 64,750 ha (160,000 acres) of heather moorland have been created or brought into management and improved.
This was achieved by a combination of heather re-seeding, bracken control and a reduction of grazing on the moors.
The increase is believed to be the result of investment by moorland owners coupled with grants from MAFF and European funds.
European funds have paid for the work of the Northern Upland Regeneration Project, which was launched in October 1998.
It has secured the conservation of just under 75,000 hectares (185,200 acres) of heather.
Moorland Association chairman Anthony Millbank said: Managed heather moorland is not only a habitat for grouse, but is vitally important for whole raft of birdlife, including rare and protected species.
Traditional management of moorland for sheep and grouse continues to be the sustainable way forward for the vast majority of heather moorlands.