News

BELLAMY BACKS BENEFICIAL BURNING

17th October, 2007

The first ever course for all those who use fire as a land management tool will be launched by Professor David Bellamy, OBE, on 22nd October. Fire has been used for thousands of years to manage land and, more recently it has helped to form the character of our iconic moorland landscapes held dear by locals, tourists and artists.

Said Professor David Bellamy: “There is no doubt that controlled heather burning has maintained a diversity of vegetation which helps mitigate scrub invasion and provides vital habitat for a portfolio of rare wild flowers and important wildlife. It is my considered opinion that the future of these cherished landscapes bursting with biodiversity would disappear without continued careful burning. Changing climate and habitat challenges, however, mean we have to ensure all practitioners are well informed of best methods based on sound experience and that’s what this course is all about.”

The training sessions, devised and delivered by The National Gamekeepers Organisation, (NGO), coincide with the start of the burning season (October 1st – April 15th) and a new ‘industry standard’ voluntary Heather and Grass Burning Code that promotes sustainable use of fire that benefits wildlife and the natural environment.

Game shooting estates use burning to create patchworks of different-aged heather on which grouse thrive. Farmers use it to improve grazing by removing tough, old grass and encouraging more palatable new growth. It is also used in conservation management, scrub and reedbed management, and in controlling vegetation to reduce risks posed by wildfires – particularly on heather moorland.

The course, open to farmers, gamekeepers and conservationists, will also cover the new Heather and Grass Burning Regulations brought in by Defra and enforced by Natural England. The new rules cut unnecessary red-tape allowing responsible burners to get on with the job and add new protection for carbon-rich peat soils highlighting sensitive areas.

The new Code, Regulations and training course are the result of a three year consultation process lead by Defra involving land managers to produce a “win-win” solution which is good for business and good for the environment. Game shooting and farming organisations, such as The Moorland Association, National Gamekeepers Organisation and NFU were closely involved in developing the new Code and Regulations.

Courses will be held at the following locations and cost £75 + VAT for NGO members and £100 +VAT for non-members. Telephone NGO Training Ltd on 01388 665899 for details and to book a place.

October
Monday 22nd Mickleton Village Hall, Barnard Castle
Tuesday 23rd Tyndale Function Suite, Tyne Green Hexham
Friday 26th Brayclough Cottage, Moorfield, Glossop, Derbyshire
Wednesday 31st North York Moors National Park Centre, Danby, Whitby

November
1st Bolton Abbey Village Hall, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire.

- Ends