Scattered across the UK’s countryside, heathlands are remarkable habitats, teeming with life. From the haunting calls of nightjars at dusk to the rustle of reptiles among the heather, these wild open spaces are a haven for some of Britain’s most threatened species, from insects to birds.
Best heatlands in UK
The Purbeck Heaths, Dorset
Perhaps the jewel in the crown of the UK’s invertebrate-rich heathland, this was the site of our visit and yielded a remarkable range of parasitoids and other specialities, including Purbeck mason wasp. The celebrated ladybird spider also occurs here, although its precise sites are a secret. Other non-parasitoid delights include the highly predatory green and heath tiger-beetles, and the full cast of reptiles and birds.
Dunwich Heath, Suffolk
Just north of Minsmere RSPB reserve, on the Suffolk coast, this National Trust heathland holds a fabulous variety of great invertebrates, the most famous of which are ant-lions, relatives of lacewings, the fearsome-jawed larvae of which live at the bottom of sandy pits, lying in wait for other insects to fall in. This is one of the best and only sites for these in Britain. Various spider-hunting wasps and bee wolves also occur here.
Thursley National Nature Reserve, Surrey
Long regarded as the finest of the Surrey Heaths, this has been a mecca for birdwatchers and entomologists, especially dragonfly enthusiasts, for years. The dragonflies include two species of emerald, downy and brilliant, among other rarities. The invertebrate fauna includes bee-wolf and various sand wasps and potter wasps. It has all six native British reptiles, and Dartford Warblers among many other birds.
Heaths of the New Forest, Hampshire
The New Forest is apparently home to 63% of all the insect species recorded in Britain, so it’s not surprising that the heathlands are rich areas to look for parasitoids, especially with many ancient trees nearby. The whole range is here, including spider-hunting wasps, ruby-tailed wasps, potter wasps and ichneumons. It is also one of the best sites in Britain for beetles, such as dung beetles, rhinoceros beetles and stag beetles.
Breckland Heath, Norfolk and Suffolk
The curious sandy heaths of the Breckland are perfect for a range of hole-making parasitoids, including spider-hunting wasps, mason wasps and digger wasps. The area is also particularly good for beetles - 600 beetles are found at one site, Thompson Common, alone! There are several very rare species of groundbeetles that have their strongholds here.
West Sussex Heaths
Although it’s not a parasitoid, the most famous insect of the West Sussex is probably the Field Cricket, the last stronghold of which was Lord’s Piece (a cricket at Lord’s – who’d have thought it?), Fittleworth, until it was reintroduced elsewhere. The various heaths in this part of southern England are perfect for Bee Wolf and Sand Wasps, plus Mottled Bee-fly. There is also a great beetle fauna, including the magnificent Minotaur Beetle.
Cannock Chase, Staffordshire/Shropshire
Not all the famous parasitoids reach this far north, but that doesn’t mean that the lifestyle is southern biased. There are still plenty of spider-hunting wasps, ruby-tailed (Darwin) wasps and even a few Mason Wasps up here. It’s also worth mentioning some of Britain’s most neglected of all insects, the Ichneumons, dozens of species of which reach here and are incredibly poorly known. This area also holds some excellent butterflies and bush-crickets.
East Devon Heaths
Many rare insects occur on these supremely diverse pebblebed southern heaths, including the Southern Damselfly and Bog Bush-cricket. There is an excellent range of Tiger Beetles and other Ground Beetles, and the Hymenoptera list is 94, including several rare ants as well as wasps. Flies include parasitoids thick-headed flies, bee-flies and Tachinids. The fauna also includes Dartford warblers and silver-studded bue butterflies.