land Article Study of Heathland Succession, Prescribed Burning, and Future Perspectives at Kringsjå, Norway Anna Marie Gjedrem 1,2 and Torgrim Log 1,* 1 Fire Disasters Research Group, Chemistry and Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Department of Safety, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, 5528 Haugesund, Norway;
[email protected] 2 CERIDES—Excellence in Innovation and Technology, European University Cyprus, 6 Diogenes Street, Engomi, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus * Correspondence:
[email protected]; Tel.: +47-900-500-01 Received: 31 October 2020; Accepted: 30 November 2020; Published: 2 December 2020 Abstract: The coastal heathland of Western Europe, dominated by Calluna vulgaris L., was previously maintained by prescribed-burning and grazing to the extent that the Calluna became anthropogenically adapted to regular burning cycles. This 5000–6000-year-old land management practice was essential for local biodiversity and created a vegetation free from major wildland fires. In Norway, recent neglect has, however, caused accumulation of live and dead biomass. Invasion of juniper and Sitka spruce has resulted in limited biodiversity and increasing wildland fire fuels. At the Kringsjå cabin and sheep farm, Haugesund, an area of previous fire safe heathland has been restored through fire-agriculture. Kringsjå is located close to several important Viking Age sites and the Steinsfjellet viewpoint, a popular local tourist destination. The motivation for the present study is to analyse this facility and investigate possibilities for synergies between landscape management and tourism as a route to sustainable transitions. The present study compares restored heathland vegetation with unmanaged heathland at Kringsjå. The potential for activities is also analysed based on the proximity to the tourist attractions in the region.