C. vulgaris (Common Ling Heather) is considered the defining species of the lowland heathland landscape. On true heathlands this ericaceous shrub is the dominant species, often accompanied by Bell Heather (Erica cinerea) and in close association with Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

 

C. vulgaris is greatly adapted to growth on the nutrient-poor soils associated with lowland heaths, which have a characteristic deficit of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorous. This ability allows dominance over more aggressive species such as many grasses, which would dominate under eutrophic (nutrient enriched) conditions.

 

The structural organization of Calluna stands forms the basis for many heathland communities, supporting a wide diversity of heath-dependent species, both as a food source and as a habitat providing shelter. C. vulgaris adopts a layered structure, formed by the laying down of smaller ‘adventitious’ roots, which creates a dense, protected microclimate in which uncommon species can thrive, encompassing insects and lower plants such as liverworts, which have low dispersal ability.

 

Calluna heath provides an ideal feeding ground for many ant species and other invertebrates due in part to the optimal physical height of its ground cover.  It has also been suggested that the high spider diversity on heathlands is correlated to the height of surrounding Calluna, which seems to be optimal for the lifestyle of numerous arachnid species. Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus) has a diet consisting mostly of C. vulgaris.

 

There are four key life-cycle stages seen in this species and all are currently present at Waldridge. These stages occur in the following order 1) Pioneer

2) Building 3) Mature and 4) Degenerate.

 

For a healthy spread of stands in each of these stages management practices are employed to ensure there is not an unequal weighting either within a heathland population. An excess of degenerate and deficit of pioneer may have implications for the future of a lowland heath site as an ageing population means older stands are not being replaced by further generations. Cutting of older stands and replenishment of Calluna seed banks (the total seed mass in the heathland soil) can aid the continuity of a viable heather population and lowland fell.  

 

If you accessed this page from a panorama, please select the site code from the menu at the top of the page to return