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Advice
Latest moorland management advice from the Moorland Association.


2026 UK Wildfire & Emissions Data
Get the latest real-time wildfire and emissions data for the UK including total area burnt, number of wildfires, carbon emissions and PM2.5 emissions.

Rob Beeson
6 hours ago1 min read


Lead Ammunition: What the New Law Means for Grouse Moors
Defra’s lead ammunition ban is now law. With a 1 April 2029 deadline, grouse moors must immediately transition by securing supply, testing alternatives, and preparing.

Andrew Gilruth
3 days ago2 min read


Drone Use Over Moorland: Guidance for Operators
Drone use over moorland is subject to landowner permission, legal protections for wildlife and habitats, and specific flight safety rules.

Andrew Gilruth
Feb 205 min read


What the New National Audit Office Report Means for MA Members
Read what the new NAO report on environmental regulation means for Moorland Association members. Key findings on risk aversion and local expertise.

Andrew Gilruth
Jan 94 min read


Moorland Management Glossary: Definitions & Key Terms
Confused by ecology jargon? Our plain English glossary explains essential terms like controlled burning, peatland restoration and carbon sequestration.

Rob Beeson
Jan 75 min read


Protect the North Pennines before 10th February
Have your say on the North Pennines Management Plan. Submit your response by 10th Feb to support active land management and protect the future of the uplands.

Rob Beeson
Jan 73 min read


Briefing Note: Assets of Community Value (ACVs) - What They Are, What They Are Not and How to Respond
Understand Assets of Community Value (ACVs). Learn what they are, why moorland nominations fail, and how landowners should respond to protect their rights.

Andrew Gilruth
Jan 64 min read


Briefing Note: Moorland Management Restrictions and the Requirement for a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)
MA members have been requesting clarification on when Natural England (NE) must undertake a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA).

Rob Beeson
Dec 18, 20252 min read


A Victory for Evidence: Grouse Gain Vital Protection Under New Licence
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.

Rob Beeson
Nov 28, 20253 min read


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
Nov 20, 20254 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 28, 20253 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 14, 20252 min read
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