Heaths

Heathland is defined as being above the limit of enclosed agricultural land and below the montane zone at around 600m, it is widespread across the Scottish hills.

Heath is a typical habitat of the cooler oceanic areas, heathlands are found throughout Europe, but the habitat is only extensive around the western oceanic fringes of Europe.

The rich purple and pink of a late summer heath is an iconic sight of a Scottish hillside. The heathland is a characteristic component of the Scottish landscape although it is only maintained through human intervention.

The heath is much more than just heather - there are a variety of species which are heath specialists including hen harrier and adder.

An important Scottish habitat

The UK supports a high proportion of the European heath, with outstanding diversity in both the wet and dry habitats. Upland heath in Scotland covers between 21% and 31% of the area of Scotland so it is a very substantial and important habitat - the European stronghold.

Why are heaths important?

Heaths provide benefits for people too:

• Grazing - many heathland areas support large numbers of sheep and deer which make an important contribution to the economy.
• Recreation - whether it is red deer stalking, game bird shooting, wildlife watching or walking, these remote, rolling moorlands provide an experience for visitors that is uniquely Scottish.