Ling

There are three types of heather in Britain, all commonly found in the forest: Ling Heather (Calluna Vulgaris), Bell Heather (Erica cinerea) and Cross Leaved Heath Heather (Erica tetralix). Out of these Ling is the most abundant in the forest, it's the one you'll see the most. Usually just referred to as 'Ling', it's the one of the three heathers most commonly seen in the forest, its delicate soft pink flowers bringing swathes of colour to the heathland and are quite long lasting. It's hardy and durable, living for over 40 years, with woody stems and small waxy leaves, able to tolerate extremes of weather.  The flowers have been used to flavour wines and ales, it's still a common bee plant, with ling honey being priced for it's taste.  You'll often see hives placed amongst the shelter of the heathland gorse to exploit the heathers. The forestry regularly cut heather back to promote vigorous and healthy growth and to stop the heather becoming too woody and a fire risk. They bale it, you see the bales used around the forest for various things, particularly in waterways. Everything gets used in the forest, as it should be.  The heather does look lovely at this time of year.