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


Wildfire Warnings Ignored, Risks Rising: Our Letter to the Health and Safety Executive
We've recently written to Sarah Albon, Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), sharing our serious concerns about wildfire risk and asking for the HSE to help prevent disaster.

Andrew Gilruth
13 minutes ago7 min read


Protecting Our Moors: Why We Need Real Wildfire Experts, Not Flawed Policies
Our moorlands are facing an ever-growing threat: devastating wildfires, and the situation is made worse by government policies, notably those influenced by Natural England.

Rob Beeson
2 days ago3 min read


Sheep as Firefighters: Why Grazing is Essential for Moorland Health
Our moorlands are facing an escalating threat: devastating wildfires. While many factors contribute to this growing risk, one often-overlooked solution lies in the age-old practice of grazing by sheep.

Rob Beeson
Jul 105 min read


A Call for Your Feedback on Controlled Heather Burning
We're seeking feedback on our draft position statement and FAQs on controlled heather burning.

Rob Beeson
Jul 91 min read


FAQs: MA Position Statement on Controlled Heather Burning
To accompany our position statement on controlled burning, we have compiled the following series of common questions and our responses.

Rob Beeson
Jul 99 min read


Protecting Our Peatlands: Why Strategic Land Management is Key to Mitigating Wildfire Risk and Toxic Release
These catastrophic releases can be prevented through proactive fuel load management, including via controlled burning.

Rob Beeson
Jul 72 min read


Westminster Debate Reveals Deep Concerns Over Natural England
During the recent debate on the future of driven grouse shooting, several Members of Parliament expressed concerns regarding Natural England's advice and its perceived impact on grouse shooting.

Rob Beeson
Jul 12 min read


Scottish Wildfire Emergency: The Inevitable Result of Irrational Policy
Scottish firefighters and local land managers have been battling severe wildfires across the Highlands for a third day, with the blazes posing serious threats to human life, wildlife, peatland habitats and community resources.

Rob Beeson
Jul 11 min read


How Gamekeepers Lead Wildfire Prevention
While much attention is often given to the dramatic images of uncontrolled fires, less is heard about the unsung heroes who work tirelessly year-round to prevent them and protect our countryside: gamekeepers.

Rob Beeson
Jun 203 min read


Response to The Guardian: Why Managed Moorland Must Be Part of the Climate Solution
The call for urgent climate action is justified - but it will fail if we continue to ignore practical land management and alienate the rural communities best placed to help.

Rob Beeson
Jun 192 min read


Playing with Fire: The Policies Turning Moorlands into Tinderboxes
Moorlands are vital parts of our landscape, but they face a growing threat: devastating wildfires. These fires aren't just a natural phenomenon; they're heavily influenced by how we manage the land.

Rob Beeson
Jun 175 min read


Why Cutting Is Not an Alternative to Controlled Burning
While cutting might seem like a straightforward solution for wildfire prevention, there are several significant limitations to its effectiveness, especially concerning wildfire risk

Rob Beeson
Jun 163 min read


Controlled Burning Can Result in Higher Sphagnum Moss Cover
Geoff Eyre's images confirm what scientific studies have found - that controlled burning can increase moss cover.

Rob Beeson
Jun 131 min read


How Farmers & Landowners are Negatively Impacted by Current Moorland Management Policies
The report, ‘Burning Money - How nature groups cash in on disastrous policies they helped create to fix imaginary problems’, outlines how farmers and landowners in the Peak District are significantly impacted by current moorland management policies.

Rob Beeson
Jun 124 min read


FAQs: Burning Money - Moorland Mismanagement and Conservation
These frequently asked questions are taken from the report: Burning Money - How nature groups cash in on disastrous policies they helped create to fix imaginary problems.

Rob Beeson
Jun 95 min read


How Natural England's Policies Are Burning a Hole in Our Moors
Our moorlands are facing unprecedented challenges due to Natural England's policies, which have been described as irrational, unproven, and expensive.

Rob Beeson
Jun 64 min read


Burning and Biodiversity: What a North Pennines Study Tells Us About Controlled Burning and Peatland Health
Research from the North Pennines adds to growing evidence that traditional grouse moor management - including controlled heather burning - can benefit the health of peatlands.

Rob Beeson
Jun 31 min read


Burning Money? The Controversies Around Moorland Management
A report commissioned by the Campaign for the Protection of Moorland Communities looks closely at issues surrounding moorland management, suggesting that current policies, heavily influenced by some nature groups, may be creating more problems than they solve.

Rob Beeson
Jun 29 min read


The MA's Response to Defra's Heather Burning Consultation - Download Now
Ahead of Sunday's deadline we have submitted our response to Defra's Heather & Grass Burning Consultation.

Rob Beeson
May 231 min read


MA Draft Position Statement on Controlled Heather Burning
The future of heather moorland management is at a crossroads. In light of mounting policy changes and growing debate, the Moorland Association has prepared a draft position statement on controlled heather burning.

Rob Beeson
May 231 min read
bottom of page