Defra & Natural England

Read the Moorland Association's response to Defra's gamebird Call for Evidence, urging an evidence-based assessment of grouse shooting and moorland management.

What ministers told MPs about heather burning, wildfire planning and lead ammunition in written answers, week of 19–25 October 2026.

The EFRA Committee's wildfire report backs moorland managers, recognising burning as a tool and calling for workable licences and scrutiny of burning restrictions.

Natural England partially upholds Moorland Association complaint as a Peak District Section 25 wildfire application takes 38 days. What must change?

Hen harrier breeding attempts rose in 2026, but monitoring gaps remain. Why Natural England must work with the Moorland Association and keepers on recovery.

Defra figures show UK upland birds fell 19% since 1994. Site studies suggest legal predator control helps curlew, golden plover and other moorland birds recover.

Had a Natural England request for access to your land? Moorland Association advice on the England Ecosystem Survey, compliance assurances and safeguards to agree.

The Moorland Association has joined rural groups urging Defra to extend its gamebird Call for Evidence deadline and clarify how practical evidence will be assessed.

Natural England's 2026 SPA gamebird licence figures show why application and refusal statistics miss the real impact of upland regulation on moorland management.

Beat, flank, pick up or shoot on a grouse moor? Here's how to answer Question 29 of Defra's game shooting Call for Evidence before 1 November 2026.

Defra's gamebird Call for Evidence closes 1 November 2026. Read the Moorland Association's draft response and guides to submitting your own evidence.

The Moorland Association publishes its draft response to Defra's gamebird Call for Evidence on grouse shooting. Members: send comments by 16 October.