The Genus Rubus (Family Rosaceae) contains the common species of Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) and Raspberry (multiple species) and is frequently found in a range of habitats across the Waldridge Fell site, including roadsides, open heathland and woodland.

 

Rubus sp. are not considered key lowland heath species and are generally managed so as to limit their growth due to potential aggressive properties. It is often suggested that they should occur only occasionally in any given heathland habitat so as to avoid out-competition of important characteristic species such as Calluna vulgaris etc.

 

As with many non-heathland species however, control is optimal over eradication as Bramble (a collective term often used to describe Rubus sp.) can be a food source for bird species and certain inverebrates such as the Heath Fritillary (Melitaea athalia.) M. athalia is classified as a rare butterfly and so a population of Rubus fruticosus (the primary nectar source for this species) on heathlands is beneficial.

 

 

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