Species - Ling Heather (Calluna Vulgaris)
Location - Cupwith Hill Moss
Grid Ref - SE 02698 13867
Ling Heather is one of 3 types of heather to be found in the UK, and can be found on most moorlands with acidic or peat soils. The other 2 types of heather are bell heather and Cross-leaved heath, but Ling Heather tends to be the commonest.
If you ever fly over a moorland and look down you will see a patchwork of patterns, which is as a result of deliberate burning by gamekeepers. Burning takes place over the winter and in early spring when there are no birds nesting on the ground and the soil is generally wet. The fires are small and carefully controlled so they don’t spread or damage the peaty soil. The following year new green shoots grow from underground stems and seeds.
Nectar from heather flowers makes excellent honey, and local beekeepers often bring their hives on to the moors in late-summer when the heather comes into bloom.
