Through late August and into September the Sussex Heaths put on an amazing display of colour as the broad expanses of heather bursts into flower. Here on Stanley common (near Liphook) the display starts with the delicate purple of the Cross Leaved Heather (Erica Tetralix), then the deep purple of the Bell Heather (Erica Cinerea) and finally now in September the mass of Ling ( with the super latin name of Calluna Vulgaris) turns the heath a lighter shade of purple.
If you live in the area and you’d like to see the display of colours then this weekend – 15th and 16th September 2012 – the South Downs Park Authority is running an event called ‘Heathland through the Ages’ on Iping common, near Midhurst- information on the flyer above or via the South Downs National Park website at
The event aims to give an historical tour of the heaths showing how the land has been shaped and used over the centuries - and if you do go you may see some besom brooms and you may get to taste the heather as well as see it as I’ve been busy putting the heather to good use – but more on that subject soon!
Unfortunately I can’t be there as I am off to the Association of Professional Foresters (APF) 2012 show at Ragley Hall, Alcester nr Worcester this weekend and the 2012 Polelathe Log-to-Leg World Championships.
