Open heath is created by light pony or cattle grazing that prevents the heath closing up and becoming totally dominated by ericoids and gorse. Consequently, it is floristically more diverse than closed stands and is accessible to a potentially rich fauna, particularly invertebrates and birds, e.g. Choughs (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax). Light grazing by larger animals is preferred to sheep grazing or burning, which can both have a negative impact on the fauna and flora of the habitat.