top of page
Advice
Latest moorland management advice from the Moorland Association.


MA Judicial Review: An Update for Members
The Moorland Association has filed for Judicial Review against Defra’s 2025 burning regulations. Read the grounds of our claim and what happens next.

Andrew Gilruth
4 days ago4 min read


New Housing Measures for Poultry and Captive Birds in Response to Bird Flu Risk
Mandatory housing rules for poultry and captive birds take effect from 30 October 2025 across parts of England to curb rising bird flu cases and protect flocks this winter.

Rob Beeson
Oct 283 min read


How Wildfire Fuel Load Increases under Unmanaged Conditions
Peer-reviewed studies show that when burning and cutting stop on upland moors, fuel loads rise four- to six-fold within 15–20 years, driving far more intense wildfires.

Andrew Gilruth
Oct 142 min read


Establishing Natural England’s Consent to Burn on SSSI Units
Applying to burn on a SSSI? Learn when you need Natural England’s consent, how to check existing permissions.

Andrew Gilruth
Oct 93 min read


VIDEO: New Heather Burning Regulations - The Licence Application Process Explained
With the online application tool now live for land managers needing to burn on deep peat, we hosted a meeting on Wednesday 1st October to discuss the licence application process.

Rob Beeson
Oct 21 min read


The Statutory Duties of National Parks
This document summarises the statutory duties of our National Parks, as established by the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Environment Act 1995.

Rob Beeson
Oct 11 min read


Heather and Grass Management Code 2025: What’s Changed Since 2007?
Discover the key changes in the Heather and Grass Management Code 2025, from peatland licensing to new rules on burning, cutting, and planning.

Rob Beeson
Sep 303 min read


VIDEO: Heather Burning Regulations Update & Guidance
We hosted an online meeting on 16th September to discuss the government's new burning restrictions, watch it in full here.

Rob Beeson
Sep 171 min read


Heather Burning Rules - Clarification on Existing Agreements
Defra clarifies heather burning rules: existing consents remain valid, but new peat regulations risk delays, confusion and an early-season burning ban.

Andrew Gilruth
Sep 153 min read


MA Handbook: Applying for a Defra Licence to Burn on Deep Peat
Following the government's decision to further restrict the burning of vegetation on England's upland peat, we have compiled a useful handbook to help guide land managers through the process of applying for a licence to burn on deep peat.

Rob Beeson
Sep 111 min read


How to Check if a Burn Area Is Within an LFA
See if a burn area is located with a Less Favoured Area (LFA) using these online tools.

Andrew Gilruth
Sep 101 min read


New Restrictions on Heather Burning - What You Need to Know
Defra has now confirmed the next stage of restrictions on burning vegetation on England’s upland peat.

Andrew Gilruth
Sep 103 min read
bottom of page
