ABOUT US
Who We Are
Originally established in the 1980s to reconcile grouse and sheep farming interests on moorland, The Heather Trust has since broadened its goals to ensure every moorland is managed sustainably, effectively and sensitively. In recognising and understanding the many economic, social and environmental interests, we strive for moorlands to be managed for everyone’s wellbeing.
Our Vision
The Heather Trust works towards more sustainable, resilient moorland for the benefit of everyone.
We want to ensure that the true value of well managed heather moorlands and associated environments are recognised by all its beneficiaries. In its broadest terms, this is the population of UK and its visitors, since well managed moors will provide public and environmental benefit such as carbon storage, water management (both quality and flood risk management), rich, diverse and unique plant and animal communities, and recreational opportunities which benefit physical and mental wellbeing.
We will work with others and strive to promote thriving, productive uplands that provide rural communities with employment opportunities either through direct management of the moorland or in associated industries such as tourism and recreation, which aids community cohesion and resilience, ensuring our much-loved moorlands and uplands continue to be places for people as well as nature for generations to come. Thus:
Our Mission
To help make this vision a reality, our mission is to develop and promote sustainable, resilient moorlands through:
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Exploring common ground through facilitation and collaboration
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Recognising and responding to challenges relating to carbon management, climate change and biodiversity loss
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Identifying and highlighting the opportunities to advise on and improve understanding and sensitive management of natural capital in our uplands
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Engagement and representation across all groups, including government, who have an interest in heather moorland
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Education and demonstration (based on research, experience and good practice)