The life cycle of Heather (Calluna vulgaris). Heather (Calluna vulgaris) A dominant plant of British...
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Transcript of The life cycle of Heather (Calluna vulgaris). Heather (Calluna vulgaris) A dominant plant of British...
The life cycle of Heather
(Calluna vulgaris)
Heather (Calluna vulgaris) A dominant plant of British
heathlands, grows in four main stages:
Pioneer Building Mature Degenerate
Pioneer Phase 5 - 6 years, from
seedling development and establishment until the plant has developed into a fully formed bush.
Heather cover is small and other species of vascular plants reach their greatest abundance, also mosses and lichens.
Building Phase Up to about 15
years old, until the bush-like form is well-established.
Heather excludes all other species.
Mature Phase To about 25 years old. Heather dominant, but
becoming woody Growth becomes less
vigorous the centre of the bush begins to open and branches grow on the soil surface.
Bryophytes (mainly mosses) colonize the soil surface because of increased humidity beneath the closed canopy.
Degenerate Phase after 30 years, leads to
death
active growth declines and the plant canopy continues to open and exposes more ground.
Bryophytes reach their maximum abundance, other species of vascular plants and Heather seedlings are able to re-establish.
Heather management Prevent succession to
woodland Regenerate heather Young shoots eaten by
grouse and sheep Pioneer phase
important for invertebrates
Invertebrates are food for chicks
Small patches/strips produce edges give access to cover
Heather managementOPTIONS ? Grazing Cutting Burning
Grazing Helps prevent invasion by
trees and shrubs
Encourages branching and layering
Trampling opens up canopy, creates paths
High stocking densities (>1.5 ewes ha-1) reduces heather cover in favour of grasses
Cutting Narrow strips give
long edges Not weather
dependent No risk of wild fire Layering possible Less wildlife value
than burning
Burning Kills heather beetles and
ticks
Cracks open seeds Ash releases nutrients No litter to inhibit seeding Looks ‘natural’ May encourage bracken
invasion
Conservation management
Black grouse
•Open woodland and moorland
Conservation management
Hen HarrierInvertebrates