Controlled Burning

Another spate of wildfires over the weekend, including one that has destroyed 12,500 acres of land on Dartmoor, highlights the growing concern over the risk of wildfires as dry conditions persist.

This study from Scotland looked closely at how prescribed burning - known as muirburn - relates to wildfires across the country.

This video taken by a gamekeeper shows the difference between wildfires and controlled burns on moorland.

The Moorland Association has prepared its draft response to Defra’s consultation on Heather and Grass Burning in England. While our first and strongest recommendation is that this consultation be paused, we’ve also made sure to respond in full should the Government press ahead.

Read our advice on how to complete Defra's Heather Burning consultation.

The BBC has recently reported that the risk of wildfire is increasing across England’s countryside, prompting urgent calls for action to protect landscapes, wildlife, and rural communities.

Natural England’s new document 'Definition of Favourable Conservation Status for Blanket Bog' should be withdrawn and rewritten.

A devastating wildfire burned 100 acres on Easter Sunday - controlled burning helped contain it. Those who are against burning may want to read this.

We recently asked our members to complete a short survey about Defra’s proposed changes to rules around heather burning. Here is a summary of the results.

We recently sent a letter to the Deputy Prime Minister, who is now responsible for handling the urgent threat of wildfire, highlighting how Government policies are exacerbating the problem.

Your feedback is invaluable in helping us understand the potential impacts of Defra's proposals and in formulating a comprehensive response.

A summary of the key issues outlined in the GWCT’s Peatland Report.

Explore the latest heather burning consultation updates. Learn about proposed restrictions on heather burning - have your say before 25 May

The PEATLAND-ES-UK project has been meticulously comparing different approaches to managing heather moorland.

On Tuesday 18th March, a prescribed fire was reported to have got away from skilled personnel as they were conducting a planned burn.

Not all smoke is created equal. Understanding the difference between the smoke from a wildfire and that from a controlled burn is crucial.

The Moorland Association was represented at two workshops held by Defra and Natural England in February and March 2025 to start the process

Wildfires are an increasing threat in the UK, especially on moorlands. These fires release harmful pollutants that pose serious health risks

It's been four years since Natural England decreed that moorland managers should drastically reduce traditional heather burning over deep pe

It’s only the first week of March and we’ve already seen a spate of wildfires across our moors. Natural England’s restrictions on...