Heathland

These transitory landscapes, created by pastureland evolving back into forest, persist due to livestock grazing and slash-and-burn carried out by farmers to maintain grazing areas. Rich in insects, they are frequented by many insect-eating birds. The presence of filed mice and reptiles makes them good hunting-grounds for many birds of prey: buzzards, common kestrels and snake eagles. Different types of heath include broom, heather and fern. (P. Grime)