Moorlands

Moorlands are expansive, upland landscapes characterized by open, windswept plateaus with acidic, peaty soils and low, hardy vegetation. They are dominated by heather, grasses, mosses, and other small plants adapted to cool, wet conditions. The terrain often features boggy patches and well-drained hummocks, creating a mosaic of wet and dry habitats that support specialized plant and animal communities.

Geographically, moorlands occur most prominently in the uplands of the British Isles, especially Scotland and northern England, with extensions into Wales and Ireland. Similar moor or heath landscapes appear in other temperate regions with high rainfall and cool climates. Soils are typically nutrient-poor and acidic, and peat formation is a common process in many moorlands, contributing to its characteristic texture and water retention.

Vegetation on moorlands is usually dominated by ericaceous shrubs such as heather (Calluna and Erica species), with ground cover of grasses, mosses, and occasional bog heaths. Sphagnum mosses are common in wetter areas, helping to form and sustain blanket or raised bogs. Fauna includes ground-nesting birds like red grouse and skylarks, along with mammals such as red deer and mountain hare. Invertebrates, amphibians, and specialist moths and dragonflies also inhabit these habitats, many of which are tied to the peatland ecosystem.

Human use of moorlands historically centered on grazing and peat extraction, with additional roles in hunting and recreation. In recent decades, conservation and restoration efforts have aimed to re-wet drained peatlands, restore natural hydrology, and reduce erosion. Moorlands face threats from overgrazing, drainage, burning, and climate change, which can degrade peat structure and biodiversity while releasing stored carbon.