Priorities
Our areas of interest
The Heather Trust has identified key issues affecting the health and quality of moorland ecosystems in the UK. We are focused on high quality research, education and conservation efforts to implement effective solutions. From heather burning and wildfire mitigation to bracken control and grazing, our goal is to preserve the beauty and integrity of our natural environments for generations to come.
Heather Futures is a unique Heather Trust research project which will determine the extent of the UK’s heather moorland habitat – and, for the first time, its historical and potential losses. Our aim is to present the results to UK policy makers to help inform their thinking on future land management regimes. The project will be completed early in 2025 with the findings presented shortly thereafter.
Key Issues
In addition to conducting research, we actively engage with practitioners and policy makers to ensure that moorlands remain a treasured resource for future generations. Our work spans a range of priority areas, each crucial to preserving the unique benefits of these landscapes. These are some of our key priority areas, though our activities extend far beyond this list. Click on the image to learn more.
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Bracken's invasive tendencies quickly shade out and destroy ecologically valuable habitats. We partnered with Bracken Control Group to find acceptable and balanced solutions.
Peatlands stores 30% of all the organic carbon in the soil worldwide. However, it becomes a chimney when degraded, releasing carbon on a vast scale.
Deer are vital for biodiversity and tourism. Balanced management can prevent environmental damage and promote economic benefits.
We promote sustainable grazing to maintain moorland habitats, enhance biodiversity, and balance environmental benefits with historic farming practices.
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Heather beetle devastates moorlands, yet eradication methods are limited. Effective treatment focuses on restoring damage, with research continuing.
The Heather Trust helps to preserve the UK moorlands, supporting sustainable management and research for these vital habitats and their wildlife.
Scotland’s Moorland Forum unites 27 organisations to address moorland issues, with The Heather Trust as a founding, active member since 2002.
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Peatlands are vital for carbon storage, biodiversity, and clean water. The Heather Trust supports research and best practices for their conservation.
Healthy moorlands naturally filter water, reduce treatment costs, mitigate flood risks, and lower wildfire threats through balanced management.
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Muirburn, a controlled burning practice, is vital for land management and wildfire mitigation, supporting diverse wildlife and habitat regeneration.
Our uplands are crucial for clean air, water, food, and recreation. The Heather Trust advocates for investing in their sustainable management.
Watch how The Heather Trust champion our magnificent moorlands
