Advice

The Court of Appeal refused our challenge to the 2025 heather burning regulations. We now need members to test the licensing system to prove its flaws.

Natural England's advice to "shoot to scare" protected goshawks exposes a confused licensing system. Read why this flawed policy is regulatory theatre.

Review the Moorland Association's draft response to Defra's trail hunting consultation. Help protect lawful working dogs and avoid unintended landowner liabilities.

How to complain to Defra about delay, poor communication or inconsistent handling of a burning licence application. New Moorland Association guidance.

Urgent: Submit your practical evidence to the EFRA wildfire inquiry by 15 May. The Moorland Association needs your on-the-ground experience to shape policy.

The Moorland Association escalates UK Merlin Survey concerns to Natural England, urging members to withhold access consent until vital data safeguards are met.

Our Wildfire Risk League Table sets out constituency-level wildfire risk rankings. The analysis draws on open-source data on local fire weather, vegetation volume and the proximity of homes to vegetation fuel.

Discover Natural England's new Defra Forms portal for SSSI consents and advice. Learn how this digital shift will hopefully streamline applications for moorland managers.

Book your place for the Moorland Association Members' Day & AGM 2026 on 19 May. Explore vital upland management research, policy updates, and shape our future.

Is Natural England reclassifying your SSSI land as 'wet heath'? Discover how WFAs impact moorland management and share your experience to help us take action.

✅ KEY TAKEAWAY: Resist pressure from vague Natural England access requests. Insist on full written clarification regarding contractors and safeguards before granting entry. Use the Moorland Association’s template to demand absolute transparency. The Moorland Association is aware that members are now being approached by Natural England for access in connection with the 2026 national Merlin survey. These requests appear to be arriving late and with limited detail. Members shoul

A major evidence review finds medicated grit poses little risk on land but could harm aquatic life - if best-practice guidance is not followed.