Report Number 550 Review of the impacts of heather and grassland burning in the uplands on soils, hydrology and biodiversity English Nature Research Reports working today for nature tomorrow English Nature Research Reports Number 550 Review of the impacts of heather and grassland burning in the uplands on soils, hydrology and biodiversity Dr Graham Tucker BSc, MSc, PhD, MIEEM 5 Rosenthal Terrace, Hemingford Grey, Huntingdon, PE28 9BL Tel. +44 (0)1480 498395 E-mail
[email protected] www.ecological -solutions.co.uk You may reproduce as many additional copies of this report as you like, provided such copies stipulate that copyright remains with English Nature, Northminster House, Peterborough PE1 1UA ISSN 0967-876X © Copyright English Nature 2003 Summary The aim of this study has been to summarise scientific information on the impacts of heather and grassland burning in the English uplands on biodiversity, soils and hydrology. Upland habitats are extensive in England and include a variety of habitats and associated species of conservation concern. This review has therefore given special attention to impacts on such habitats and their associated species. A detailed literature search and review has been carried out, supplemented with consultations with scientific organisations that have conducted research into upland burning. Most of the research on managed burning in Britain has been carried out on Scottish grouse moors, in particular studies on moorland burning histories, fire characteristics and impacts on Calluna vulgaris (heather) and heathland communities. Many of these research studies date back to the 1960’s and 70’s. Relatively few scientific studies have been carried out of the impacts of managed fires in England, especially on habitats other than dwarf shrub heaths.