Scientific name	Calluna vulgaris – Scapania gracilis heath
Common name	Heather – Western Earwort heath
Community code	HE3B

 

          

Download full pdf synopsis: HE3B

 

Vegetation

Calluna vulgaris is the main component of this community, but Vaccinium myrtillus and Erica cinerea are also constants and occasionally Empetrum nigrum occurs. Potentilla erecta is likely to found together with some tufts of Deschampsia flexuosa. Both Agrostis canina/vinealis and Agrostis capillaris are frequent. The bryophyte layer is extensive and quite diverse. The usual heathland pleurocarps are present, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum jutlandicum and Pleurozium schreberi, but they are joined by Racomitrium lanuginosum and striking patches of Sphagnum capillifolium. There is also a good range of liverwort species. Scapania gracilis and Diplophyllum albicans are constants here, probably growing in association with the rocks and stones which often litter the heath, but one will also occasionally find Lophozia ventricosa, Pleurozia purpurea, Bazzania tricrenata, Anastrepta orcadensis and rusty orange cushions of Herbertus aduncus.

 

Ecology

This is a heath community occurring on the upper mountain slopes and in corries. Soils are shallow, acidic and infertile, and frequently stony.

 

Sub-communities

No sub-communities have been described for this community.

 

Similar communities

Racomitrium lanuginosum is more abundant here then in community HE3A but it does not carpet like it does in HE3D and HE3E, whilst in HE3C grasses and sedges are more prominent.

 

Conservation value

Almost all of the examples of this vegetation qualify as either EU HD Annex I habitat 4030 Dry heaths or habitat 4060 Alpine and subalpine heath, depending upon altitude and exposure. This is on average a very species-rich heath community, supporting several specialist species and a range of liverworts.

 

Management

These heaths, which often form parts of commonages, may be used as rough grazing land (typically for sheep) and overgrazing can be a problem. Climate change threatens arctic-alpine species which are restricted to montane communities such as this.