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Licensing
Latest news, advice and opinion on licensing on UK grouse moors.


Heather Burning Consultation: Why We’ve Called for a Pause and What We’ve Said if It Goes Ahead
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.

Rob Beeson
Apr 303 min read


Advice for Responding to Defra's Heather and Grass Burning Consultation
Read our advice on how to complete Defra's Heather Burning consultation.

Rob Beeson
Apr 302 min read


An Update on Defra’s Review of The Heather & Grass Burning Code 2007
The Moorland Association was represented at two workshops held by Defra and Natural England in February and March 2025 to start the process

Andrew Gilruth
Mar 192 min read


Moorland Association Voices Concerns Over Gamebird Release Licence Delays
The Moorland Association, along with other leading countryside organizations, have written to Defra.

Andrew Gilruth
Mar 111 min read


Heather & Grass Burning Licensing - Share Your Experience
As you probably know, the Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) Regulations 2021 introduced new restrictions on burning on deep peat...

Rob Beeson
Jan 271 min read


The Moorland Association Licensing Project
Kate Russell of Tellus Natural Capital is supporting the Moorland Association with its licensing project. In this article she explains...

Rob Beeson
Jan 82 min read
Update from Defra on gamebird licensing
The Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has issued an update today on the arrangements...

Andrew Gilruth
Mar 1, 20241 min read
Scottish licensing: improved but significant concerns remain
Plans to license grouse shooting in Scotland (both walked up and driven) are inching forward. The stated policy aim of the legislation is...

Andrew Gilruth
Feb 29, 20242 min read
There is no status quo
Sustainable grouse moor management today is a world away from the myths presented by opponents A report commissioned by the RSPB,...

Rob Beeson
Jun 19, 20234 min read
Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust calls for change to gull licensing system
During April and May, 183 gamekeepers, shepherds and shoot managers reported witnessing incidents of gull predation on nests and chicks...

Rob Beeson
Aug 20, 20201 min read
Rural organisations welcome DEFRA General Licence announcement
The Countryside Alliance, Moorland Association and National Gamekeepers Organisation have welcomed the announcement by DEFRA that six...

Rob Beeson
Jun 19, 20202 min read
Rural organisations call for wildlife licencing in England to be brought back into central government
Leading rural organisations have today joined forces to call on the Environment Secretary, George Eustice, to bring the chaotic wildlife...

Rob Beeson
Jun 2, 20202 min read
Moorland Association responds to new gull licences
The Moorland Association responds to the announcement by Natural England of new arrangements for licensing the control of Herring Gulls...

Rob Beeson
Jan 30, 20202 min read
Scotland's moorland heading into uncertain future.
Dee Ward, Vice-Chair at Scottish Land & Estates, reflects on the future of Scotland’s moorland. Scotland’s purple-clad heather moorland...

Rob Beeson
Jan 16, 20203 min read
Werritty Review
The Werritty Review into Grouse Moor Management in Scotland has been published today. Here is the link to the full report and the...

Rob Beeson
Dec 19, 20192 min read
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