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


Clarifying Recent Commentary on the Judicial Review
Clarifying the Moorland Association’s High Court appeal: Separating legal reality from online myths regarding burning regulations, wildfire risk, and public safety.

Andrew Gilruth
2 days ago4 min read


Tradition in Action: How Burning and Cutting Help Save Our Heathland Birds
New science confirms: Traditional burning and cutting are vital for saving heathland birds. Discover why mosaic management beats 'doing nothing'.

Rob Beeson
2 days ago4 min read


Why We Are Appealing the Judicial Review Decision
The Moorland Association is appealing the High Court’s refusal regarding burning regulations, citing concerns over how wildfire risks and public safety were assessed.

Andrew Gilruth
3 days ago3 min read


Understanding the Long-Term Health Risks of Wildfire Smoke
New research links chronic wildfire smoke exposure to increased stroke risk. Learn why preventing large-scale wildfires is a vital public health necessity.

Rob Beeson
6 days ago2 min read


The Article That "Doesn't Exist": Why Defra Must Acknowledge New Science on Prescribed Burning
Is Defra ignoring science? New research on soil heating beneath prescribed burns challenges moorland restrictions. See why the government must correct the record.

Rob Beeson
6 days ago2 min read


Video: The Importance of Controlled ‘Cool’ Burning on Heather Moorland
Geoff Eyre, winner of the Innovation in Conservation category of the 2025 Schöffel Countryside Awards, explains the importance of controlled ‘cool’ burning for the health of the UK’s moorlands.

Rob Beeson
Jan 291 min read


High Court Ruling Leaves Wildfire Risks Unresolved
High Court refuses the Moorland Association's challenge to Defra's heather burning rules. The debate on wildfire safety and land management continues.

Andrew Gilruth
Jan 281 min read


Lessons from Afar: Why the World Trusts Controlled Burning to Protect Against Wildfire
From Australia to the USA, global experts trust controlled burning to prevent wildfire. Discover why this vital tool is key to protecting UK moorlands from disaster.

Rob Beeson
Jan 264 min read


Recent Wildfire Reporting in The Telegraph
We address recent media coverage on Natural England's wildfire guidance, staff safety, and shared responsibilities following our Freedom of Information request.

Rob Beeson
Jan 191 min read


How Controlled Burning Creates a "Pharmacy" for Wild Bees
Did you know heather nectar is natural medicine? Learn how grouse moor management creates a "pharmacy" that protects bumblebees from disease.

Rob Beeson
Jan 194 min read


Wildfires: The Answers Parliament Has Yet to Receive
New Parliamentary Questions reveal Defra lacks consolidated data on wildfire impacts. See why this evidence gap undermines effective land management policy.

Andrew Gilruth
Jan 154 min read


Lessons from the Mediterranean: Why Active Management and Community Involvement are Key to Wildfire Prevention
Discover how active management prevents wildfires. Lessons from Cyprus show why community involvement, grazing, and prescribed burning are essential.

Rob Beeson
Jan 133 min read
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