Isn't it possible they are only that tall because they have grown through the gorse for the light?

I came across this video (there are a series of them about various plants) that may interest you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NFiCHRfDBs

This is a link to other plant videos by the Species Recovery Trust.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=species+recovery+trust

Nothing else it can be. I agree the lankiness is a function of the growing conditions.

augemnt and floral

I agree with both of you.

It had to be, as you said, due to the conditions.

What got me, was the fact the gorse is extremely dense, and I doubt very much whether any light could get though to the ground.

Thanks

Well it's not just the conditions, there are very few heaths and heathers to choose from here and none with the grey foliage.