Heather growing on heathland with gorse and trees in the background.
First World War Practice Trenches, Browndown Ranges (North), Privett Road, Gosport, Hampshire. General view of practice trench amongst heathland where soldiers trained in trench warfare © Historic England Archive
First World War Practice Trenches, Browndown Ranges (North), Privett Road, Gosport, Hampshire. General view of practice trench amongst heathland where soldiers trained in trench warfare © Historic England Archive

Upland and Lowland Heathlands

Heathlands are rich in archaeological remains from prehistory through to our more recent industrial heritage. They are found in both upland and lowland areas, and have been shaped by human activity. Some areas, such as the Lake District, maintain agro-pastoral traditions that have persisted for centuries. Here you can find advice on caring for the heritage of these environments to inform nature recovery work.

Upland and lowland heathlands and the historic environment

Heathland habitats, both upland and lowland, often preserve considerable amounts of material that tell us about both past human activities and environmental conditions. The waterlogged conditions of peatlands, which are part of both upland and lowland heathland, result in exceptional preservation of natural and cultural organic remains. The biodiversity that has developed in these landscapes is often the product of the underpinning environmental conditions – geology, soils, hydrology, altitude and climate – and historic husbandry and use by people.

The preservation, conservation and traditional management of these habitats can not only increase biodiversity and wildlife value but also protect our fragile cultural heritage.

The following page provides information on peat bogs and peatlands and the historic environment.