Dry heaths are dominated by vegetation such as heather, mosses, grasses, and herbs.
Although heather plays a dominant role, other types of dwarf shrub are also present. Cross-leaved heath can be extremely common in young vegetation with a thick litter layer (after mowing) and in more humid areas (transition to wet heath).
Heath will always develop into forest, with a continuous growth of mostly pine and birch. Their removal is necessary to prevent encroachment. Important animal species in this habitat include the sand lizard, various species of bird, the smooth snake, and the grayling. The heath is also an important habitat for the black grouse.