Controlled Burning

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

While cutting might seem like a straightforward solution for wildfire prevention, there are several significant limitations to its effectiveness, especially concerning wildfire risk

Geoff Eyre's images confirm what scientific studies have found - that controlled burning can increase moss cover.

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.

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.

Our moorlands are facing unprecedented challenges due to Natural England's policies, which have been described as irrational, unproven, and expensive.

Research from the North Pennines adds to growing evidence that traditional grouse moor management - including controlled heather burning - can benefit the health of peatlands.

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.

Ahead of Sunday's deadline we have submitted our response to Defra's Heather & Grass Burning Consultation.

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.

The current Defra consultation on heather burning is beginning to fall apart under the weight of its own failings – and it’s critical that we act now to make our voices heard.

These frequently asked questions are taken from the scientific paper: Post-burning responses by vegetation on blanket peat sites on a Scottish grouse moor.

The Guardian’s recent article highlights the growing global threat posed by uncontrolled wildfires and the devastating scale of smoke pollution now affecting human health.

Controlled burning of heather on UK moorlands is often used to support red grouse management, but its effects on peatland health are frequently questioned.

Time is running out to respond to Defra’s consultation on heather and grass burning. The deadline is 25th May, and it’s vital that those who understand the uplands - the people who live, work, and manage this land - make their voices heard.

Natural England’s recent evidence review on heather burning was presented as a definitive scientific update. Instead, it stands as a case study in how selective methodology, excluded expertise, and misrepresented findings can produce a flawed and unbalanced document.