Advice

MA members have been requesting clarification on when Natural England (NE) must undertake a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA).

Natural England lists Red Grouse as a bird of conservation concern under new licences. Discover why this vital step supports predator control and species recovery.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Discover the key changes in the Heather and Grass Management Code 2025, from peatland licensing to new rules on burning, cutting, and planning.

We hosted an online meeting on 16th September to discuss the government's new burning restrictions, watch it in full here.

Defra clarifies heather burning rules: existing consents remain valid, but new peat regulations risk delays, confusion and an early-season burning ban.

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.