It’s one of the most beautiful and mysterious sights in the south of England – a huge shimmering carpet of purple and pink heathers under a blue summer sky.

While heathers are more often associated with the UK’s rugged uplands, the lowlands of the South Downs National Park are one of the last great bastions of this amazing habitat in the busy south-east.

Late summer is when the magic really happens on the heathland as the heathers blossom into a cascade of captivating colours in August and early September.

These vivid colours are evident in the stunning pictures of heathland sites near Petersfield and Oakhanger the SNDP has released to mark World Photo Day.

They’re more than just a pretty picture as the Stedham Common and Shortheath Common sites are part of a greater partnership and long-running bid to conserve and protect heathland sites around the national park.

The Heathlands Reunited project successfully conserved and enhanced 23,825 hectares – or 18,000 football pitches – of lowland heath to date, while an independent scientific assessment revealed the initiative had been “significant” in restoring the ecological condition of the habitat.

The current focus is on the heaths in the far north-west of the National Park around the Wealden Heath Special Protection Area in East Hampshire.

Working with partners, National Park rangers are helping to care for these sites through careful habitat management and engagement and there are early signs that a number of rare species, such as European nightjar and silver-studded blue butterflies, are flourishing.

“Heathlands are actually as rare as the rainforest and we’re very lucky to still have around 40 sites in and around the South Downs National Park,” said Olivia French, Heathlands Engagement Officer for the SDNPA.

“Lowland heath was one of the reasons for the designation of the National Park, as it’s so incredibly rare.

“Without these refuges, some very specialist animals and plants would be lost forever, so it’s really important we all care for our heathlands.”

People who are keen on exploring the many heathland sites around Bordon, Petersfield, Liphook and the Rother Valley have been encouraged to take pictures as the SDNP is launched a photo competition.

This year’s competition has a “Stunning Seasons of the South Downs” theme with several prizes of £100 up for grabs. The deadline is October 31 so there’s still a bit of time to enter through www.southdowns.gov.uk/care-for/photo-comp/ but conditions are currently near perfect.

“This is such a special time of year for heaths, so do get out and capture its beauty if you can on camera,” added Olivia.

“Heathlands are especially sensitive to human disturbance, so a few tips to enjoy these sites include sticking to the paths to avoid trampling ground-nesting birds, keeping dogs on leads around livestock, no barbecues or fires, taking rubbish home and bagging and binning dog poo. Just soak up the serenity and leave no trace!”

For ideas on heathland walks visit the walking hub at www.southdowns.gov.uk/get-active/south-downs-walks/