Rehabilitation of degraded Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull-dominated wet heath by controlled sheep grazing

摘要: Abstract Many upland areas of the British Isles have seen declines in area and condition heather ( Calluna vulgaris )-dominated heathland vegetation. To reverse this decline, management regimes must be designed to rehabilitate that decline. As most vegetation is primarily managed by grazing, such has determine what stocking levels can maintain a desired state. This paper describes how decline through suitable grazing management. A degraded ‘wet-heath’ system, previously grazed at 2.1 sheep ha −1 , was subject range treatments over 5-year period. Treatments varied intensity (0–1.4 ) timing (summer only, winter or year round) grazing. Grazing were maintained outside fenced areas. Vegetation composition remained stable treatments. All showed an increase relative frequency evergreen with greatest being ungrazed treatment, least round 1.4 treatment. line reduction utilisation relatively low sustainable levels. Other species benefited from reduced included Carex nigra Deschampsia flexuosa lesser extent Galium saxatile Erica tetralix whereas moss including Hypnum jutlandicum Rhytidiadelphus loreus more frequent higher Though recovery similar two seasonally treatments, different overall trajectories. Winter only allowed substantial cover deciduous Molinia caerulea kept check summer level between 0.7 appears appropriate even enhance on wet heath. Complete removal not necessary. restricted period inappropriate where M. occurs. Setting take into account site conditions, especially presence affect heather.