Physical disturbance enhances ecological networks for heathland biota: A multiple taxa experiment

► Physical disturbance treatments were tested to support early-successional biota. ► Specialist carabids and plants increased with greater disturbance intensity. ► Ant assemblages did not respond, spiders were left depauperate at high intensities. ► Ecological connectivity will be enhanced by long-lasting intense physical disturbance. ► This study shows the need for multi-taxa assessment of management outcomes.