There are four different types of heather found in Dorset: Ling or Common Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Bell heather (Erica cinerea), Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix), and Dorset Heath (Erica carnea). Ling and Bell heather prefer dry heath whereas Cross-leaved Heath and Dorset Heath are more often found in wetter areas.

The slow growing nature of heather allows it to grow in acidic, nutrient poor conditions. In the past it has been used for fuel and as bedding for people and animals. It is the food plant for the caterpillars of over 55 moths and butterflies making it a larder for insect-eating birds like the Dartford warbler.

Other heathland plants get their nutrition from trapping insects. There are two types of sundew on the heaths of Dorset; the Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) and the Oval-leaved Sundew (Drosera anglica). The Pale Butterwort (Pinguicula lusitanica) is another insectivorous heathland plant.  These plants attract flies, midges and even dragonflies onto their sticky leaves by imitating water droplets. The insect is then absorbed by the plant.

Other beautiful, rare and endangered plants such as the marsh gentian, orchids, lungworts, mosses and lichens can also be found on the heaths of Dorset.  

If you would like more information about Dorset heaths or its plants, contact Urban Heaths Partnership at urbanheaths@dorsetcc.gov.uk or the project office on 01202 642787