Controlled Burning

New research shows controlled peat burning before rewetting cuts methane emissions by over 95%, disproving Natural England’s claims and supporting traditional moorland management.

As Britain faces record wildfires, reports from The Times, The Guardian, and The Spectator show how policy failures risk worsening the nation’s wildfire crisis.

Natural England expects rocky moorland to be cut by machine, an impossible task that leaves dangerous, unburnable heather increasing wildfire risks.

79% of wildfire responders at Carrbridge & Dava had controlled burning experience, showing how traditional moorland management strengthens fire preparedness.

Peer-reviewed studies show that when burning and cutting stop on upland moors, fuel loads rise four- to six-fold within 15–20 years, driving far more intense wildfires.

New research shows UK wildfire risk is rising sharply as vegetation dries in sync, exposing Defra’s failure to act on science and rethink peatland policy.

The Moorland Association’s campaign to overturn Defra’s winter burning ban gains momentum, with a parliamentary motion, legal action, and growing political pressure.

The Wildlife Trusts wrongly claimed that 68% of upland wildfires are caused by managed burns. The real figure is closer to 5–10%. Here’s why accuracy matters.

Wildlife groups misrepresented Natural England’s evidence on moorland burning, overstating harm and ignoring uncertainty. Our analysis exposes how Defra was misled.

Scotland has paused new burning rules to prevent wildfire risk, England has not. The Moorland Association urges Defra to listen, learn, and act before disaster strikes.

Defra claims there’s a “scientific consensus” against managed burning, yet its own research says otherwise. We exposes how misinformation became policy.

Scotland works with land managers to prevent wildfires, Defra blocks them with red tape. A tale of two governments: one pragmatic, the other dangerously detached.