Upton Community Woodland Group

Heathland

Approx one hectare of the site is a mixture of wet and dry heathland. This area was previously part of Upton Heath which is owned and managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust.

There is a drainage ditch which runs from west to east through this compartment, of which the dry heath is found on the north side of the ditch and the wet heath on the south side.

Heathland species found on the dry area includes bell and common heather, as well as western gorse. This area is dominated by scots and maritime pine and is bordered by a dual carriageway. There is little access to this area, apart from crossing the ditch, which means management is difficult.

The wet heath comprises mainly purple-moor grass and bog myrtle with sharp-flowered and bulbous rush found on the edges of the drainage ditch. Silver and downy birch are also found here and are being managed to prevent the heath turning into woodland.