Heather

The iconic British moorlands of Wuthering Heights and Hounds of the Baskervilles fame are depicted as bleak; windswept and foreboding. But as the heather bursts into flower at the end of the summer, the moors become a blazing carpet of purple for as far as the eye can see. There is surely no better time of year to head for the hills and experience this stunning spectacle. A large proportion of the world’s moors and upland heaths are in the UK, making our moorlands internationally important, and giving us a special responsibility to conserve and protect these habitats.

Moorland is generally found in the uplands, and as most is open access land you are free to wander, but it’s best to stick to well used paths. The weather up here can change quickly and it’s easy to get lost in such vast landscapes. Keep any dogs on a lead - while it can be tempting to let them run free, the moors are home to ground nesting birds and grazing animals, neither of which enjoy the attentions of an over-excited pooch.

Common heather is perennial plant that can survive from 30 to 40 years in the wild.