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How Much Heather Moorland is in the UK? Rethinking the 75% Figure
A major review questions the claim that the UK holds 75% of global heather moorland, highlighting uncertainties but stressing its global significance.
Rob Beeson
5 hours ago2 min read


Claim That “Cessation of Burning Leads to Wetter Peat” Rejected by Scientists
A major review finds no solid evidence that stopping prescribed burning makes peat wetter or reduces heather, urging site-specific, long-term research instead.
Rob Beeson
5 hours ago3 min read


Black Grouse Breed in the North York Moors for the First Time in Nearly 200 Years
Black grouse have bred in the North York Moors for the first time in nearly 200 years, thanks to a pioneering reintroduction and habitat restoration project.
Rob Beeson
6 hours ago2 min read


Claim That ‘Rewetting Cuts Wildfire Risk’ Remains Unproven
Evidence suggests that heather is more resilient to wet conditions than is often assumed, and that ceasing fuel management in favor of rewetting alone could increase the risk of severe wildfires.
Rob Beeson
1 day ago3 min read


Fire Chiefs Warn Against Burning Ban as Government Pushes Ahead
Labour’s new ban on controlled burning ignores fire chiefs’ warnings, raising fears it will increase wildfire risk, endanger communities, and harm moorland.
Rob Beeson
1 day ago2 min read


Wildfires Have Cost the UK Nearly Half a Billion Pounds So Far in 2025, Says Moorland Association
Wildfires have cost the UK over £460m in 2025, burning 46,000+ hectares and causing huge damage to land, wildlife, carbon stores, health and communities.
Rob Beeson
4 days ago1 min read


No Evidence That Heather Burning Reduces Sphagnum or Peat Formation
There is no robust data to support the claim that prescribed heather burning reduces Sphagnum abundance and peat formation, and in fact, several datasets reject it.
Rob Beeson
4 days ago3 min read


6,000 Years of Heather and Fire: Why the ‘Recent Management’ Claim Doesn’t Stack Up
A scientific review challenges the idea that fire and heather dominance are recent phenomena primarily driven by modern management practices like grouse moor management.
Rob Beeson
5 days ago3 min read


Natural England Must Stop Blocking Moorland Management
Natural England has become the enemy of common sense. Instead of backing managers who want to improve their ground, it ties them up in red tape and demands they wait for science to catch up.
Andrew Gilruth
5 days ago3 min read
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