Comparison of techniques to increase Calluna vulgaris cover on heathland invaded by grasses in Breckland, south east England

Application of cutting, turf-stripping and rotovating were tested as a means of promoting or restoring Calluna vulgaris cover in grass heath at Knettishall in Breckland, East Anglia. At this site an area of former Calluna heath is now occupied by a dense Deschampsia flexuosa sward. Turf stripping appeared to be the best method of creating bare ground for Calluna establishment, but requires specialist machinery and generates a large amount of waste turf. Rotovating created bare ground without producing waste and gave good establishment of Calluna. Cutting was not successful at promoting the establishment of Calluna within a dense grass sward but may be of use in the management of Calluna-grass mosaics resulting from initial application of turf stripping or rotovating. An analysis of the benefits and problems associated with each technique is presented and rotovating is suggested as the most cost-effective method for promoting Calluna cover where grasses have become dominant.