E. cinerea (Bell Heather) is an ericaceous plant and another key heathland species that is adapted for growth on nutrient-poor, acidic soils. It differs from Calluna vulgaris in the morphology and colour of its flowers, which form a characteristic bell shape.

 

The species is widespread at Waldridge and is classified as common and of ‘least concern’ on the IUCN Redlist however, as with C. vulgaris, the declining total cover of heathlands in Britain and Europe mean that populations on lowland heaths are of significant ecological value.

 

 

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