Heathlands: what they are, types and importance

Heathlands are plant communities dominated by low, woody shrubs, mainly of the genus Erica (heathers) and other Ericaceae, that thrive in acidic, nutrient-poor, well-drained soils. Although this type of formations are found on several continents, its most characteristic and studied distribution is limited to the European continent, especially in Atlantic and mountainous regions.

They grow in soils that are very poor in nutrients.

Heathlands grow in nutrient-poor soil. These contain very low levels of essential compounds such as phosphates and nitrates, which deeply conditions the structure and dynamics of the ecosystem. Both plants and animals that inhabit these environments must present specific adaptations to survive with limiting conditions. In plants, these adaptations include efficient mechanisms for the uptake and storage of scarce nutrients.

They have underground storage organs

Many heathland species develop specialized underground structures to store nutrients and carbohydrates. These include lignotubers (woody organs in shrubs), tubers, corms and thickened leaf bases, which act as reserves against extreme conditions.

They present greater underground than aerial biomass

Compared to other plant formations, in heathlands there is usually more living mass underground than above it. This investment in underground structures reflects the importance of conserving resources in an environment where nutrient replenishment is sporadic and limited.

They are capable of resprouting after disturbances such as fire

Many species present in heaths are adapted to survive intense disturbances such as fire or clearing (a type of agricultural practice), thanks to the presence of buds located in underground organs. This regrowth capacity gives them a great advantage over other plants that depend exclusively on seed germination. However, if fires become too frequent, the system can degrade, as the land becomes even poorer and underground reserves are depleted, putting vegetation regeneration at risk.

The diversity of heathlands in the Iberian Peninsula, especially in northern Spain, reflects the variety of ecological conditions, altitudes, soils and climates. Where are there heaths in Spain? They are mainly found in regions such as Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, León and other mountainous areas of the northwest of the peninsula, where the Atlantic climate and acidic soils favor their development. Some of the main types of heaths are described below.

• Montane Cantabrian heaths with otea (Ulex gallii): they develop in mountain areas in the north of the Cantabrian mountain range. They are dense formations where otea predominates (Ulex gallii), accompanied by other species of heather and grasses. The coverage of the herbaceous stratum is highly influenced by livestock and the plants that make it up are the most common in the Cantabrian acidophilus meadows.
• Cantabrian heaths hills with otea (Ulex europaeus): They are tall thickets, difficult to navigate, that are located in the Cantabrian valleys from Araitz to Baztan. The dominant species is gorse (Ulex europaeus), which is usually accompanied by Ulex gallii.
• Castilian-Cantabrian heaths with bearberry: heaths and gorselands characterized by the presence of Daboecia cantabrica and bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) in which other species are frequent. They are distributed in the Sierra de Codés, the shade of the Sierra del Lapoblación, Cabredo, Genevilla and an isolated locality in Ordokorri (Romanzado).
• Pyrenean heather heaths: heaths dominated by heather (Calluna vulgaris), often accompanied by blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) and sometimes for Erica Vagans. They are distributed in acidic soils in the mountains of the Salazar and Roncal valleys, above 1,500 meters high.
• Mediterranean heaths of Erica scoparia: high heathland dominated by broom heather (Erica scoparia) which may be accompanied by another large heather, Erica arborea and for the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo). They are typical of the Mediterranean region.
• Hygrophilous Cantabrian heaths with Erica tetralix: They develop in areas with high soil humidity, such as peat bogs or flooded soils. The brecina Erica tetralix It is characteristic of these humid environments.
• hilly Cantabrian heaths with Erica ciliaris: these heaths are located on hills in the north of the peninsula and are dominated by Erica ciliaris and other hygrophilous species.
• Navarrese-Alava heaths with Anglican Genist: They develop in the northeastern region of the Peninsula, especially in Navarra and Álava. The presence of Anglican Genista woody legume, gives them a distinctive structure.
• Pre-Pyrenean heaths with Anglican Genist: very similar to the previous ones, but located in the transition area between the Pyrenean mountain range and the plains of the Ebro valley. They share species with the Navarrese-Alava heaths, although they may have local floristic differences.
• Sub-Cantabrian heaths of Erica Vagans: they are located in areas of the western sub-Cantabrian, where it dominates Erica Vagans. In these heaths the species characteristic of the other types of heath are absent.

They act as reservoirs of biodiversity

The heaths offer shelter to a great diversity of plant and animal species, many of which are exclusively adapted to the extreme conditions of this ecosystem. Among its characteristic vegetation are invertebrates, birds, reptiles and small mammals that find food, shelter and reproductive opportunities.

It forms a habitat for species with specific adaptations

Heathland fauna ranges from birds such as the black grouse and European nightjar to amphibians such as the russet frog and reptiles such as the common viper. These species are closely linked to heathland conditions, such as low tree cover, acidic soils and recurring disturbances such as fire or grazing.

They are carbon sinks and climate regulators

In humid areas, heaths can accumulate organic matter in the form of peat, functioning as true long-term carbon stores. This contributes to mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere.

They provide protection against erosion

Thanks to their dense plant cover adapted to fragile soils, heaths help to fix the substrate, reducing erosion caused by wind and water runoff. This function is key in areas where loose or sandy soils predominate.

They are a support for pollinators and food networks

The flowers of dominant heathland species are a key source of nectar for wild pollinators such as bees, butterflies and moths, helping to support more complex food chains.

They are ecosystems shaped by fire

Fire is part of the natural dynamics of many heathlands. Far from being only destructive, periodic low-intensity fire allows the renewal of the ecosystem, eliminating dead biomass and favoring the regrowth of species. Without these disturbances, the heathland may lose its identity, being replaced by forests or other formations.

They contribute to water regulation

Heathlands act as natural sponges: they absorb rainwater and release it slowly, helping to prevent the risk of flooding and keep rivers and streams flowing in dry times. For this reason, they are usually key in regulating the hydrological cycle in the basins where they are located.

They have great cultural value

These landscapes have been used for centuries for traditional activities such as grazing, firewood collection or hunting. In many regions, ancestral management of heathlands has contributed to maintaining their biodiversity and ecological structure, so their conservation also involves preserving cultural heritage linked to sustainable land use.

What is the difference between a dry heathland and a wet one?

The main difference is in the humidity of the soil: dry heaths grow in well-drained and nutrient-poor land, while humid heaths develop in waterlogged areas or close to peat bogs. In addition, the vegetation also varies, being more diverse in the wet heathlands.

What animals live in heathlands?

The heathlands are home to birds such as the skylark and thrush, mammals such as the fox and rabbit, and specialized invertebrates such as butterflies, beetles and wild bees. These ecosystems offer shelter and food to many species adapted to open environments and low vegetation.

What threats do heathlands face today?

Heathlands are threatened by abandonment of traditional management, reforestation with invasive species, frequent fires, urban expansion and intensive agriculture. These factors cause the loss of biodiversity and habitat degradation.

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