Bell heather  (Erica cinerea)

The decline of this species in England is the result of large scale loss of heathland. In chalk heath sites, a reduction in sheep and rabbit grazing has resulted in the growth of grasses and scrub, which has resulted in the loss of this species at these sites (3).

Although conservation action has not been targeted at this species, it is an important component species of many heathland communities, which are being protected via Habitat Action Plans under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) (5).