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


The Cutting Myth: Why Heather Cutting Failed to Stop the Snake Moors Wildfire
Snake Moors wildfire footage proves cutting fails to stop landscape fires and worsens peat burning. We must use all available tools to manage surface fuel loads.

Rob Beeson
May 81 min read


NEER155: Defra and Natural England Fail to Address “Rigorous Peer Review” Question
The Moorland Association urges Defra and Natural England to publish the audit trail proving NEER155 on controlled burning had a rigorous peer review.

Andrew Gilruth
May 86 min read


Why Reforming Wildfire Monitoring is the Key to Protecting Our Uplands
To protect UK uplands, we must reform wildfire monitoring. Read the Moorland Association's EFRA response on tracking fuel loads and adopting controlled burning.

Rob Beeson
May 83 min read


Who Decides What “Good” Moorland Looks Like?
The Moorland Association urges Natural England to release the missing audit trail for its blanket bog report to ensure transparency in upland policy.

Andrew Gilruth
May 76 min read


A Wildfire Plan Worth Backing For Our Moors
A new cross-border body has brought practitioners, fire services and scientists into one room, and it could finally turn the tide on upland wildfire.

Rob Beeson
May 53 min read


Prevention Over Cure: How Defra Must Rethink Funding to Protect Our Landscapes from Catastrophic Wildfire
The Moorland Association urges Defra to tackle the £460M wildfire crisis by funding proactive land management and empowering rural first responders.

Rob Beeson
May 54 min read


The Dangerous Myth of 'Passive' Prevention: Why True Nature-Based Solutions Require Active Stewardship
Passive rewilding won't stop UK wildfires. Discover why active land management is the essential nature-based solution to protect our uplands and carbon stores.

Rob Beeson
Apr 294 min read


How Practical Moorland Management Can Stop the UK’s Wildfire Crisis
The UK is facing a record wildfire year. Our response to EFRA's call for evidence: trust the land managers, restore controlled burning, end the policy gap.

Rob Beeson
Apr 274 min read


How Wildfires Threaten Your Water, Power and Travel
Discover how "fuel debt" and unmanaged wildfires threaten the UK’s energy, water, and rail infrastructure. Learn why proactive management is vital for resilience.

Rob Beeson
Apr 244 min read


Natural England’s Heather Burning Review: Fresh Doubts Over “Rigorous Peer Review”
The Moorland Association challenges Natural England over "rigorous peer review" claims after new evidence gaps and missing records are revealed. Read the latest update.

Andrew Gilruth
Apr 132 min read


Northern England's Moorlands Are Burning Again - And the Same Questions Remain Unanswered
Are current upland land management policies fuelling Northern England's moorland wildfires? Learn why controlled burning is vital to prevent disasters.

Rob Beeson
Apr 104 min read


England's Peatland Emissions: Where the Real Problem Lies
Discover the truth about England's peatland emissions. Grouse moors account for just 2.3%, while lowland farming drives 92%. Explore the GWCT data.

Rob Beeson
Apr 24 min read
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