In the top row of pictures:
- In hollows where an iron-pan has formed, water collects and can remain throughout the summer ... (picture)
- ... this helps plants such as the Sundew (Drosera intermedia) which needs continual moisture for its insect trapping tendrils (picture)
- Dodder (Cuscuta epithymum) a parasitic plant living off the heathers, also has hold here (picture)
- Also moisture loving the Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum) (picture)
- Skating across the water surface, relying on surface tension, Pond Skaters (Gerris) are a common sight. Here the water surface is coated with a film of oils released from decaying plant matter (picture)
In the bottom row of pictures:
- Late-July the heathlands become vibrant with colour, as heather, ling and heath come into flower (picture)
- Amongst the delicate Ling (Calluna vulgaris) the sharp spines of Gorse (Ulex earopaeus) are ready to prick the unwary (picture)
- Where vegetation and nutrients collect, shrubs and trees can get a toe-hold the heath is being actively cleared of such scrub, in an attempt to maintain its open character (picture)
- Criss-crossing the heath are many sandy tracks, making exploration of the area especially on bike or horseback somewhat easier (picture)
- And when the light is right, heathland scenes can be full of atmosphere; a local artist who wished only to be known as 'Peter' painting such a late-afternoon scene (picture)
Other sites on the web
The Countryside Management site of Surrey County Council has an introduction to lowland heath on their 'Heathland > Heathland Basics' page
The Dorset Page:
Holt
local information and links to further resources on the web
Maps of the area on streetmap.co.uk: 1:50,000 detail,
1:250,000
locality and route to get there
![picture resolution](../../hires.gif) The pictures of Holt Heath in this gallery were captured at high resolution. This is images of dorset stock photography gallery 058 All photographs copyright © 19982003 John Allen
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