North York Moors National Park
 

Learning Zone

What's so special about moorland?

 

Heather moorland - an internationally important habitat   A Red Grouse

Did you know?

There is probably less heather moorland in the world than tropical rain forest.

About 70% of all the heather moorland in the world is in Britain!

The largest area of heather moorland in England and Wales is here in the North York Moors National Park!

Moorland covers about one third of the National Park - that’s an area of 590 square kilometres!

Moorland is an important habitat for rare birds like the Golden PloverHeather moorland provides a valuable habitat for rare plants and animals including birds such as merlin and golden plover and plants such as sundew and common spotted orchid.

People pay to shoot grouse on the moors – this provides:

  • income for landowners to use to look after the moors
  • jobs for local people such as gamekeepers and beaters 
  • income for local people who provide food and accommodation for grouse shooting parties

Farmers use moorland to graze their sheep.

Tourists visit the moors to enjoy space, fresh air, lovely views and peace.