Study

Setting sustainable grazing levels for heather moorland: a multi-site analysis

  • Published source details Pakeman R.J. & Nolan A.J. (2009) Setting sustainable grazing levels for heather moorland: a multi-site analysis. Journal of Applied Ecology, 46, 363-368.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Increase number of livestock

Action Link
Shrubland and Heathland Conservation

Reduce number of livestock

Action Link
Shrubland and Heathland Conservation
  1. Increase number of livestock

    A site comparison in 10 heathland sites that were subject to grazing in the UK (Pakeman & Nolan 2009) found that the cover of common heather Calluna vulgaris increased in sites with low sheep density and declined in areas with high sheep density. Common heather cover increased in sites where there were fewer than two sheep/ha and declined when there were greater than two sheep/ha (data reported as model results). Heather cover was estimated in seventy four plots across the 10 sites. Stocking density at the sites varied between zero and six sheep/ha.

    (Summarised by: Phil Martin)

  2. Reduce number of livestock

    A site comparison in 10 heathland sites that were subject to grazing in the UK (Pakeman & Nolan 2009) found that the cover of common heather Calluna vulgaris increased in sites with low sheep density and declined in areas with high sheep density. Common heather cover increased in sites where there were fewer than two sheep/ha and declined when there were greater than two sheep/ha (data reported as model results). Heather cover was estimated in seventy four plots across the 10 sites. Stocking density at the sites varied between zero and six sheep/ha.

    (Summarised by: Phil Martin)

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