1. Upland Habitat Management

2. Upland Britain 40% of UK land

3. Defining uplands Abiotic factors Microclimate Topography Geology Soil type How do these compare with lowlands?

4. Moorland

5. Upland Heath

6. Heathland species Heather ( ling ) Cross leaved heath Bell Heather Bilberry In wetter areas Western gorse Purple moor grass and bracken

7. Blanket bog Cotton grassBog Asphodel Sphagnum moss Sundew

9. Bracken

10. Acid grassland

11. Limestone pavement

12. Arctic/alpine

13. Role of the uplands Wildlife –uplands support a range of internationally important habitats and species. –home for special flora and fauna; Store (and potential sink) of carbon in peat and other soils; Water –a sponge to retain rainwater and release it slowly, delivering consistent and safe water supplies in the lowlands. –Between 70% and 90% of our drinking water comes from surface water, the majority gathered in the uplands. Outdoor recreation and health Landscapes –nearly 4 million ha are included in the UK-wide network of National Parks, National Scenic Areas and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Business –Agriculture and land based businesses increasingly rely on service jobs, visitors and rural support measures. –Tourism increasingly important

14. Carbon facts UK uplands store 5 billions tonnes of carbon 1 billion tonnes in Scottish blanket bogs Pristine peat lands in England and Wales can absorb 40,000 tonnes of carbon per year Damage due to excessive burning, drainage and overgrazing could release 380,000 tonnes of carbon per year.

15. Threats Drainage Agricultural improvement Peat cutting Overgrazing –Bracken invasion Afforestation Lack of management –Undergrazing –Scrub invasion Development Fire Open access Air pollution Global warming

16. Black grouse management Felling creates open woodland Ditches filled with brash prevent chicks becoming trapped Peat dams built to create pools, are crucial for insects that chicks feed on