Questions: How does Calluna vulgaris regenerate after burning wet and dry heaths of different age?

Location: Central Norway.

Methods: Patches of Calluna dominated old and young wet heath and old dry heath were burned. The mean temperatures reached in the categories of heath were measured. Cover, frequency, height and number of seedlings of Calluna were studied in plots.

Results: The mean burning temperatures varied from 680 to 740 °C, and were highest in wet heath that had not been burned for at least 50 years. Regeneration of Calluna was evident in the year of burning, but only from seeds. Even heath with a short burning interval lacked vegetative regeneration. Calluna cover increased yearly and exceeded 50 % three years after burning. Regeneration was evident in the year of burning, and was highest in heath with a short burning interval. The height increased regularly at all sites, but was most rapid in dry heath, probably because of better microclimatic conditions. There were more seedlings in the heath with a short burning interval.

Conclusions: Calluna only regenerates from seeds after burning in central Norway. The density of Calluna increased rapidly, which is positive for the conservation and management of coastal heaths in central Norway.