top of page
Controlled Burning
Latest news, advice and opinion on controlled heather burning on UK moorland.


Natural England’s Heather Burning Review: Fresh Doubts Over “Rigorous Peer Review”
The Moorland Association challenges Natural England over "rigorous peer review" claims after new evidence gaps and missing records are revealed. Read the latest update.

Andrew Gilruth
11 minutes ago2 min read


Northern England's Moorlands Are Burning Again - And the Same Questions Remain Unanswered
Are current upland land management policies fuelling Northern England's moorland wildfires? Learn why controlled burning is vital to prevent disasters.

Rob Beeson
3 days ago4 min read


England's Peatland Emissions: Where the Real Problem Lies
Discover the truth about England's peatland emissions. Grouse moors account for just 2.3%, while lowland farming drives 92%. Explore the GWCT data.

Rob Beeson
Apr 24 min read


How Moorland Gamekeepers are Saving The UK's Largest Carbon Store
Discover how UK moorland keepers are restoring peatlands to protect our largest carbon store, boost biodiversity, and fight climate change on the moors.

Rob Beeson
Apr 16 min read


Wildfire Policy is Changing in Europe. Defra Needs to Catch Up
New EU wildfire policy supports active moorland management and prescribed burning for climate resilience. Discover why the UK's Defra needs to catch up.

Andrew Gilruth
Mar 264 min read


Burning and Cutting Both Promote Peat-Forming Species on Blanket Bog
Pennine experiment finds both prescribed burning and cutting reduce heather dominance on blanket bog, promoting Sphagnum moss and cotton grass within five years.

Rob Beeson
Mar 244 min read


Has Natural England’s Wildfire Message Been Punctured?
Has Natural England's wildfire policy unraveled? A key author admits peat rewetting doesn't prevent fires. Learn why England's Peat Action Plan needs rewriting.

Andrew Gilruth
Mar 183 min read


Breathing New Life into the Moor: The Science of Controlled Burning
Discover how traditional controlled burning revitalises moorland heather, boosting essential soil nutrients and plant health in this easy-to-read science summary.

Rob Beeson
Mar 164 min read


Defra’s Wildfire Policies are Putting Public Health at Risk: our letter to The Telegraph
Why is Defra risking public health and NHS budgets by banning moorland heather burning? Read our letter to The Telegraph on the flaws in current wildfire policy.

Andrew Gilruth
Mar 161 min read


LSE Video Shows Why Traditional Land Management is Our Best Defense Against Wildfires
LSE research reveals the real cause of extreme wildfires: dangerous fuel loads. Discover why traditional land management and controlled burning are our best defense.

Rob Beeson
Mar 115 min read


Nutrients on the Moor: The Science Behind Traditional Management
Discover how traditional moorland management, like controlled burning, boosts the nutritional value of heather for red grouse and livestock in our latest summary.

Rob Beeson
Mar 94 min read


Science Validates Tradition: How Moorland Management Protects Against Wildfire
A scientific study reveals how traditional controlled burning on moorlands reduces severe wildfire risks by managing heather fuel loads and protecting peat soils.

Rob Beeson
Mar 94 min read
bottom of page
