Natural England - European heathlands

European heathlands

Heathlands are a distinctive feature of the western European landscape.

Cabo Pena coastal heath, Spain

They are characterised by ericaceous dwarf shrubs together with their associated flora and fauna.

Heathlands are highly treasured for a variety of reasons. These include their aesthetic appeal, their value as cultural landscapes and historical associations, their characteristic and frequently endangered biodiversity and their importance as subjects for ecological study and research.

The European Heathland Network has been established to enable all persons involved or interested in heathland ecological research, conservation of wildlife, and in policy formulation and implementation in relation to European heathlands:

  • to meet,
  • to stimulate discussion,
  • to promote communication,
  • to further the understanding and conservation of heathland ecosystems and
  • to disseminate information as widely as possible.

13th European Heathland Network Workshop 2013

The 13th European Heathland Network Workshop will take place in Denmark, 23-28 June 2013

For full information about this forthcoming meeting, visit the Workshop websiteexternal link.