Resolving a heated debate: The utility of prescribed burning as a management tool for biodiversity on lowland heath

Lowland heath is a priority habitat for conservation, nowadays largely managed biodiversity. Historically, prescribed burning has been the principal management tool, but there are increasing calls to substitute with cutting improve biodiversity outcomes. However, poor understanding of potential impacts compromises decision making. Our study was carried out in New Forest National Park, largest area lowland Europe. Using multi-trophic approach, we compared ecological impact two types vegetation (swiping and baling) as tools outcomes up 20 years after management. Indicators included: common standards monitoring (CSM) assessment; species assemblage; below- above-ground invertebrate biodiversity; available food resources characteristic heathland birds—the Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus. When swiped sites, areas by resulted in: better condition (assessed CSM); higher cover heathers; lower bracken cover; more bare ground. We found no evidence that detrimental investigated components Cutting swiping did not replicate benefits burning. Swiping supported grassland conditions suit non-heathland species. Baling similar restricted replication baled sites limited our conclusions. high abundance diversity, including Nightjar. Synthesis applications. Removing from programme likely reduce condition. Biodiversity encouraged mosaic mobile species, such birds, will exploit provided several techniques. Including some rotational regime be beneficial although should form majority programme, differs fundamentally upland heathland/moorland it easy transfer results. Current CSM does adequately assess wider on protected effectively an assessment feature invertebrates surveys provides nuanced