Rotational burning between October and April inhibits the reversion to woodland and scrub vegetation that would otherwise develop and creates a mosaic of bare ground, young and mature stands of heather together with other dwarf shrubs like bilberry and crowberry. The purpose is to maintain young heather whose shoots are the staple food of adult grouse.

 

Grazing by sheep is strictly controlled as are predators of eggs and grouse chicks such as stoats and carrion crows. Although the aim is to maintain wild populations of red grouse, this form of management sustains semi natural vegetation and provides a habitat for many species of birds in particular which is virtually unique to the British Isles.