Heather
Calluna vulgaris
UK Green ListEasy to see📍 Lakeland fells
Season
Year-round. Flowers July to September.
Best time of day
Any. Purple carpet in late summer.
Lake District
Dominant on moorland across the Lakes. That purple carpet in August. The food of grouse. You'll walk through it.
UK population
Widespread on acid moorland.
Overview
Heather is the moorland. That purple carpet in August. The fells. Grizedale. Foulshaw Moss. The food of grouse. Ling. Different to bell heather. Finer leaves. Flowers later.
At a Glance
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Habitat | Heather moorland · Upland · Acid soil |
| UK population | Widespread on acid moorland. |
| Lake District | Dominant on moorland across the Lakes. That purple carpet in August. The food of grouse. You'll walk through it. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Heather moorland throughout the Lakes. The fells, Grizedale, Foulshaw Moss. Underfoot on most walks.
Identification
Low shrub. Fine leaves. Purple flowers. Bell heather has larger bells. Heather is finer.
Viewing & Photography Tips
August for the purple. The fells. It's everywhere. Don't confuse with bell heather.
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.