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Heather Beetle and Burning: Evidence, Opinions and Policy Gaps
Heather beetle continues to cause concern across the uplands. Members have asked about the role of burning in relation to beetle control and recovery. Below is a summary of past research, observations and opinions drawn from the scientific literature.

Rob Beeson
26 minutes ago3 min read


Commons Registration: What to Do if Your Land Is Targeted as “Waste Land of the Manor”
Landowners are increasingly seeing applications made under the Commons Act 2006 (Schedule 2(4)) to register land as common land on the basis that it is “waste land of the manor.”

Rob Beeson
1 day ago2 min read


Smoke from Wildfires: New Evidence on Health Risks and Why Fire Type Matters
A new study from Nevada, USA, has found that smoke from wildland fires can lead to increased hospital visits for breathing and heart problems - and the type of fire makes a difference.

Rob Beeson
1 day ago1 min read


Heather Management Boosts Nutrients for Wildlife and Grazing
A ten-year study across three British upland peatlands has found that active heather management - especially controlled burning - can improve the nutritional quality of key moorland plants.

Rob Beeson
1 day ago1 min read


How Unprecedented UK Heatwaves Are Igniting a New Era of Extreme Wildfire Risk
This blog post provides a detailed summary of the paper: Unprecedented UK heatwave harmonised drivers of fuel moisture creating extreme temperate wildfire risk.

Rob Beeson
2 days ago7 min read


Birds of Prey Are in a Golden Era - So Why Are Some So Desperate to Talk It Down?
Britain’s birds of prey are thriving. Red kite, buzzards and sea-eagles are all doing well. Golden eagle numbers are up. And, in England, hen harrier numbers are at a 200-year high.

Andrew Gilruth
2 days ago3 min read


Heatwaves, Fuel Moisture, and Rising Wildfire Risk
A new UK study has shown how extreme heatwaves can dramatically increase the risk of severe wildfires on heath and peatland landscapes.

Rob Beeson
3 days ago2 min read


Prescribed Fire Helped Prevent a Major Wildfire Disaster in New Mexico
Proactive land management - including traditional burning - is essential to protecting both ecosystems and rural communities from catastrophic wildfire.

Rob Beeson
3 days ago1 min read


The Hidden Helpers in Red Grouse Digestion
Red grouse are famed for their ability to thrive on heather, a plant that makes up most of their diet. Heather is tough, woody, and full of fibre - not the easiest food to digest. A new study has revealed how grouse manage it.

Rob Beeson
6 days ago1 min read


VIDEO: Extensive Damage Caused by Langdale Moor Wildfire
An update from the North York Moors Moorland Organisation showing the extent of the damage caused by the Langdale Moor wildfire, damage which would be far worse were it not for the brave efforts of firefighters, gamekeepers and farmers.

Rob Beeson
Aug 271 min read


New Science Strengthens the Case for Controlled Burning
A wave of peer-reviewed research from around the world should give serious pause to those intent on sidelining controlled heather burning.

Andrew Gilruth
Aug 273 min read


Prescribed Fire Helps Restore Heathland Bird Populations, Study Finds
A new study comparing two large heathlands in Europe has found that prescribed fire can significantly benefit bird species that rely on open heath habitats.

Rob Beeson
Aug 271 min read
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