Heathland LBAP - Purbeck

Heathland Habitat - Purbeck


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Key factors

Extent/Distribution

The heathlands in Purbeck and other associated habitats, such as acid grassland, scrub, scattered trees and heathland ponds are of national and international nature conservation importance. Purbeck's heathlands constitute 5% of the national lowland heathland resource and 61% of the heathland in Dorset. These heathlands support a wide range of threatened and declining plant and animal species, such as the Dartford Warbler, silver studded blue butterfly, and marsh gentian. Purbeck is also the national stronghold of Dorset heath, sand lizard and smooth snake.

Threats

The loss of heathland in Dorset is well document and those in the Poole Basin have been reduced to 15% of their former area since 1750 through agricultural improvement, conversion to forestry and urban development. These factors, together with mineral extraction and military activity, remain as threats. The quality of remaining heathlands has also declined due to lack of management, in general, and the cessation of grazing, in particular leading to severe management problems, such as scrub encroachment.

Action Plan Objectives

OBJECTIVE 1:

Confirmation of candidate heathland SAC sites
TARGET: by 1998

OBJECTIVE 2:

Re-establish about 1000 hectares of heathland in Purbeck
TARGET:by 2010

OBJECTIVE 3:

Reinstate extensive grazing
TARGET:ongoing

OBJECTIVE 4:

Initiate further research of grazing regimes
TARGET: by 1998

OBJECTIVE 5:

Explore appropriate funding mechanisms
TARGET: ongoing

Action Plan Targets