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The AONB has some of the finest heather moorland in the country. Although it looks natural, it is the result of management for red grouse by gamekeepers and farmers on behalf of the AONB's sporting estates. 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.
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