Succession

If heathland is left unmanaged, trees and tall shrubs such as gorse will soon begin to colonise.  If left unchecked, these trees and tall shrubs will grow larger while new tree seedlings continue to appear.  Over the years there will be a gradual change from heathland to woodland habitat as the trees encroach ever further into the heath, shading out it's shorter plants.  In order to preserve the valuable flora and fauna of heathland habitats it is vital to carry out a suitable management programme which controls the spread of trees into heathland areas.