Rhun Jones, Senior Countryside Warden - South Denbighshire

The heather moorlands of the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio mountains are predominantly dry heath. The thin layers of peat soils are ideal for Common Heather, Bilberry, western gorse, and a variety of upland grasses. Bell Heather and Cross-leaved Heath can also be found. Bracken and European Gorse are not native to this habitat but are becoming increasingly common causing management and agricultural problems. Silver Birch and Rowan trees can be seen dotted around the uplands, and will slowly spread, turning our valuable moorland into woodland, if not kept in check. Although not native to this habitat, Pine trees can also be found, particularly close to the conifer plantations such as Moel Famau.

This habitat attracts a wide variety of wildlife, all of which benefit from the traditional management which continues to take place today. Key species are the Black Grouse and Red Grouse, birds of prey including Merlin, Kestrel and Hen Harrier, smaller birds such as Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Curlew and Yellowhammer. Bilberry Bumblebees can be seen particularly on flowering heather. Moths, beetles and other small insects are also vital to the success of the moorland community.

Our Heather Moorlands are important habitats, many of them are protected against development and damage by law. Many have a UK designation called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and also a designation meaning they are of European importance called a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). These designations help to protect our Heather Moorlands for future generations.

Our uplands are an important agricultural resource. Much of the moorland within the Heather and Hillforts project area is Common Land, where a number of farms have right to graze sheep. Without agricultural management, the structure of the heather moorlands will change significantly and much of the habitat and many of the species are in danger of being lost.

Click on these links for information

on how and why we manage our Heather Moorland

Moorland Management

Wildlife Projects