A Plagioclimax community is an area or habitat in which the influences of the humans have prevented the ecosystem from developing further.
Gradually the forests were removed during the early Middle Ages for timber and fuel purposes, and to create space for agricultural activities.
The heather is burnt after 15 years of its life cycle before it becomes mature and allows colonisation of the area by other plants.
[citation needed] In Studland Heath in Dorset, England, the management agency prevents the climax community (in this case trees) becoming established.
At Studland the aim is to keep the area as heathland, so that the small reptiles that inhabit the dune system continue to survive.