Bell Heather
Erica cinerea
UK Green ListEasy to see📍 Foulshaw Moss
Season
Year-round. Flowers June to September.
Best time of day
Any. Flowers earlier than heather.
Lake District
Foulshaw Moss. Heath. Moorland. That purple bell. Flowers June. Before heather. Finer leaves than cross-leaved heath.
UK population
Widespread on acid heath.
Overview
Bell heather has larger bells. Purple. Flowers June. Before heather. Foulshaw Moss. Heath. Finer leaves than cross-leaved heath. Three species of heather. Learn them.
At a Glance
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Habitat | Heath · Moorland · Acid soil |
| UK population | Widespread on acid heath. |
| Lake District | Foulshaw Moss. Heath. Moorland. That purple bell. Flowers June. Before heather. Finer leaves than cross-leaved heath. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Heath and moorland. Foulshaw Moss, Grizedale, the fells. That purple bell. Flowers before heather.
Identification
Purple bells. Finer leaves. Flowers June. Before heather. Cross-leaved heath has leaves in whorls of four.
Viewing & Photography Tips
June. Heath. That bell. Before heather. Foulshaw Moss.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.