lagopus scoticusfor shooting. This involves burning narrow strips or small patches
of moorland in winter to provide a mosaic of different aged stands of heather.
Management of lowland heathland for conservation also involves small-scale
winter burning, typically on a rotation of 15–30 years, in this case to perpetuate
the dominance of dwarf-shrubs and produce a patchwork of different growth
phases for their associated fauna. Cutting is also used on heathland to produce
similar effects, particularly at sites where fire could easily spread out of control.
Management of heathland for conservation is usually also accompanied by
removal of invading trees and control of bracken, and sometimes also by grazing
to prevent regeneration of trees.
Although uplands dominated by moorland support a range of bird species of
high conservation value, few of these are associated with pure stands of dwarf-
shrubs, the majority being associated with intermixed areas of bog, bracken, and
grass (e.g. Brown and Stillman 1993; Stillman and Brown 1994; Tharme et al.
2001). Hence, the most important consideration in managing moorland for
these species is the retention, and in some cases management, of these associated
habitats. All the birds considered characteristic of lowland heathland, such as
Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata, Stonechat Saxicola torquata, Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeus, and Woodlark Lullula arborea, also prefer mixtures of
dwarf-shrubs and scattered scrub and/or trees, bare and disturbed ground and
areas of short grassland (e.g. Bibby 1979; Sitters et al. 1996; van den Berg et al.
2001). On heathlands the main issue to resolve is what proportion of trees and
shrubs to remove. The compromise is between removing enough to prevent loss
of the heathland, while retaining enough to maintain populations of the key bird
and other species.
The length of the burning or cutting rotation influences the suitability of the
habitat for the few bird species that use the dwarf-shrub heath, by influencing
the proportion of different stages of re-growth present at any one time. For
example, Woodlarks and Red-billed Choughs (on maritime heath) prefer recent-
ly cut or burnt areas, while Dartford Warblers and nesting Hen Harriers Circus
cyaneusprefer taller, older, heather. The height and persistence of dwarf-shrub
heath can also be influenced by grazing intensity.
14.7 Managing forests and scrub
14.7.1 Introduction
The main factors influencing the avifauna of forest and scrub are their structure
and dominant tree species, particularly whether broad-leaved trees, conifers,
or a mixture of both. Four methods can be used to influence structure and
Managing forests and scrub| 345