Mountain heaths and willow scrub

Mountain heath and willow scrub is one of the most natural habitats that we have in Scotland. The windswept open landscape can look inhospitable, but it supports a surprising diversity of species. Once up above the tree line, the trees that do stand up to the elements are twisted and very slow growing.

Mountain heath typically occurs above the tree line usually above 600 metres. Heaths dominated by heather (Calluna vulgaris) and blaeberry (Vaccinium myrtilus) support a diverse population of plants and bryophytes. Where willow trees do grow, they often have the twisted growth form known as Krummholtz.

These habitats form mosaics with montane grasslands and moss dominated sedge heath. Scotland supports the majority of the UK distribution of the snowbed communities and upland willow scrub.

Scotland is thought to support around 60,000 hectares of this habitat although the full extent has yet to be surveyed. Scotland supports more than 98% of the UK habitat, although it only makes up 0.8% of the surface area.

Montane heath and willow habitats include some very exposed areas and patches of late snow lie. The altitudinal range can be from around sea level to some of the most exposed mountain locations. These extreme habitats support species that are at the southernmost extent of their distribution.

This relatively limited habitat (upland heath covers between 21-31% of Scotland) supports a good number of rare species including netted mountain moth, mountain burnet, Willow species and many rare bryophyte and lichens. Typical bird species include ptarmigan and dotterel. Both breed in these habitats.

Montane heath and willow scrub habitats provide benefits for people too:

• Recreation - whether it's red deer stalking, game bird shooting, wildlife watching or walking, these remote, rolling moorlands provide an experience for visitors that is uniquely Scottish.
• Grazing - heaths provide summer grazing for sheep and deer when they move to the high ground to escape the midges and flies.
• Visual - the encounter of the wide open heath is a moving experience, much valued by outdoor enthusiasts. A change to this habitat means the walker is nearing the summit.