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Natural England
Latest news and opinion on Natural England in the UK.


Defra's Actions Are Increasing The Wildfire Risk: Our Letter to The Telegraph
Defra must be congratulated on its commitment to protecting our uplands, yet its actions are resulting in them going up in flames.
Andrew Gilruth
6 days ago1 min read


Government Policy Making Wildfire Situation Worse: Our Letter in The Times
Since we are experiencing our worst year for wildfires and scientists are predicting climate change to increase these fourfold it’s astonishing that government policy is making the situation even worse, through rapidly increasing the vegetation fuel load.
Andrew Gilruth
6 days ago1 min read

Update: Hen Harrier Conservation Licence 2025
With hen harriers beginning to settle on our moors again we must update you on Natural England’s recent decision regarding our application for a hen harrier conservation licence.
Andrew Gilruth
Apr 142 min read


Urgent Leadership Needed on Wildfire Prevention: Our Letter to the Deputy Prime Minister
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.
Andrew Gilruth
Apr 135 min read


Fuelled by Policy Failure: Swaledale Wildfire Was Avoidable
Have you ever wondered what effect poor government policy can have on rural landscapes? Look no further.
Rob Beeson
Apr 73 min read


The Wait Goes On to See if Natural England will Issue a Licence to Continue the Work of the Brood Management Trial
Six months after applying for a licence, we are still waiting to hear if Natural England is interested in continuing the successful trial.
Andrew Gilruth
Apr 33 min read


Emergency Wildfire Action: What Moorland Managers Need to Know
This blog provides guidance on when you can act without prior authorisation from Natural England.
Andrew Gilruth
Mar 284 min read


National fire chiefs call for “strategic” decisions to reduce “tinderbox” wildfire risk
The growing of risk of catastrophic wildfires has led to fire chiefs demanding that the Government gets to grip with the risk.
Andrew Gilruth
Mar 284 min read


Report Reveals Key Factors Behind Hen Harrier Recovery
A recently commissioned report by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) for Natural England looked into this puzzle.
Rob Beeson
Mar 195 min read


Hen Harrier Brood Management: An Update
A Natural England-led evaluation of the hen harrier brood management trial has concluded that it is has led to more hen harriers successfull
Andrew Gilruth
Mar 141 min read


Wildfire Smoke: The Effects on Human Health
Wildfires are an increasing threat in the UK, especially on moorlands. These fires release harmful pollutants that pose serious health risks
Rob Beeson
Mar 114 min read


Spate of Wildfires Highlights Need for Action
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...
Rob Beeson
Mar 61 min read


Results of our Heather and Grass Burning Code Survey
We recently asked our members to complete a short survey about the Heather and Grass Burning Code and here is a summary of the results.
Rob Beeson
Feb 73 min read


Farmers and Conservationists: Who's REALLY Helping Wildlife?
This article first appeared in Shooting Times By Andrew Gilruth, Chief Executive, Moorland Association Passions were running high at the...
Andrew Gilruth
Feb 63 min read

A hillsides policy that is adding fuel to the fire: our piece in the Yorkshire Post
This article written by Moorland Association Chief Executive Andrew Gilruth appeared in the Yorkshire Post on 1st February 2025: Click...
Andrew Gilruth
Feb 31 min read


Our letter on stoats in Orkney featured in latest Times 'Sir, The year in letters' book
We're delighted that a letter written by Moorland Association Chief Executive Andrew Gilruth has been featured in the latest edition of...
Rob Beeson
Jan 311 min read


The Sphagnum Saga: How Our Moorland Is Being Failed
The current approach to moorland management, particularly the mandated sphagnum inoculation, is not achieving its intended conservation goal
Rob Beeson
Jan 307 min read


Have a big impact: write to your MP about wildfire risk
We are delighted with the coverage in The Daily Mail and The Daily Telegraph for our recent letter to the Home Secretary about wildfire...
Rob Beeson
Jan 282 min read


FAQs: England's Moorland Wildfire Risk
Below is a summary of the key points made in the letter we recently sent to the Home Secretary outlining the risk of devastating...
Rob Beeson
Jan 233 min read

MA wildfire letter to Home Secretary featured in press
The Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail have published stories in response to the letter we sent to the Home Secretary outlining the risk of...
Rob Beeson
Jan 221 min read
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