Heath

Heath is a shrubland habitat characterized by low-growing woody vegetation on acidic, nutrient-poor soils. It is typically dominated by ericaceous shrubs such as common heather (Calluna vulgaris) and various Erica species, often with grasses and mosses in the understory. The canopy is open, and the landscape is frequently exposed to wind and sun, with frequent fires historically maintaining the habitat.

Geographically, heathlands occur across temperate regions, notably the British Isles and other parts of western and northern Europe, with related habitats in North America and Australasia. They are adapted to low nutrient availability and, in many cases, to regular disturbance from fire or grazing, which prevent succession to woodland.

Ecologically, heathlands support specialized plant and animal communities, including lichens, invertebrates, and certain bird species that thrive on open, nutrient-poor ground. They are biodiversity hotspots when well managed but decline under afforestation, intensive agriculture, or nutrient deposition from air pollution.

Conservation and management methods include prescribed burning, mechanical clearance of encroaching trees, grazing by managed livestock, and restoration of nutrient-poor soil conditions. Many regions have protected heathlands and run restoration projects to recover historical plant communities and landscape structure.

As a word, heath also appears as a surname and place-name. It derives from Old English haeth, meaning heath or wasteland, and is common in English-speaking countries as a component of toponyms and family names.