Threats to the Heathland1. Little or no grazing exists to halt the spread of birch and Scots pine scrub. 2. Recreational use is leading to erosion. 3. Fires kill animals and cause development of a degraded habitat dominated by bracken and gorse. Also, frequent fires mean that heather is burnt before it can form woody clumps, favoured by sand lizards and an important source of insect food. The Wildlife Trusts are helping to conserve heathland by clearing encroaching scrub, re-instating grazing regimes and reseeding heathersthroughout the UK.