|
|
|
 |
| |
| Humberhead Levels |
| |
| Habitat: Lowland heathland (of national significance) |
| |
Characterised by heather, dwarf gorses and cross leaved heath and generally found below 300 m altitude. Includes areas of scattered trees, scrub, bare ground, gorse, wet heath, bog and open water.
|
|
| |
Small patches of heathland can still be found in the Natural Area. Autumn carpets of heather flowers attract large numbers of bees. The yellow flowers of common gorse may be seen throughout the year but the smaller dyer's greenweed produces only a summer display amongst the beautiful slender leaves of wavy hair-grass. The blue delicate flowers of harebell complement the white flowers of heath bedstraw and the yellows of tormentil.
On areas where drainage is poorer, the beautiful bright blue flowers of marsh gentian may be seen flowering from January through to early summer. Cross-leaved heath also grows on these wetter areas. It has summer flowering rose pink flowers.
The vivid green tiger beetle, a fierce carnivore, is fond of sunning itself on bare ground. Its larvae make little burrows in the sandy soil in which they lie in wait for prey. The adder also enjoys basking in the sunshine. The uncommon nightjar nests on the ground amongst the heather.
Heathland is perpetuated by a combination of grazing and controlled burning. Without this the scrub begins to take over and the characteristic plants are lost. Other reasons for the loss of heathland include conversion to more productive agriculture, and pressure from development including minerals. The free-draining sands and gravels on which it develops are a valuable resource for the aggregate and building industry. Heathland has decreased in extent to the point of rarity nationally, and what remains in the Natural Area has its part to play in its wider survival.
|
| |
|
