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


Has Natural England’s Wildfire Message Been Punctured?
Has Natural England's wildfire policy unraveled? A key author admits peat rewetting doesn't prevent fires. Learn why England's Peat Action Plan needs rewriting.

Andrew Gilruth
3 hours ago3 min read


NEER155: Update on Natural England’s Refusal to Respond
Update: Natural England apologises for an email sent in error and promises to address concerns regarding the peer review of the NEER155 heather burning report.

Andrew Gilruth
Mar 23 min read


Saving £300m Through Smarter Environmental Regulation: Our Letter to The Times
Read our letter to The Times arguing for a fundamental reset to environmental regulation. Discover how local accountability could save £300m annually.

Andrew Gilruth
Feb 191 min read


Burning Report: How Rigorous Was Peer Review?
Natural England cannot prove its influential managed burning report underwent the "rigorous peer review" claimed by Ministers. We are formally demanding full transparency and accountability from NE and Defra.

Andrew Gilruth
Feb 194 min read


Moorland Association Submission to the Public Accounts Committee Inquiry on Environmental Regulation 2026 - A Summary
The Moorland Association proposes a system reset for environmental regulation. Discover how Local Environment Boards can deliver better results for land managers.

Andrew Gilruth
Feb 53 min read


MPs Grill Defra and Regulators on "Broken" Systems, Bureaucracy, and Risks to Food Production
MPs grill Defra, EA & NE on "broken" systems and red tape. Read our summary of the critical PAC hearing regarding regulatory burdens and food production risks.

Rob Beeson
Feb 45 min read


Clarifying Recent Commentary on the Judicial Review
Clarifying the Moorland Association’s High Court appeal: Separating legal reality from online myths regarding burning regulations, wildfire risk, and public safety.

Andrew Gilruth
Feb 34 min read


Why We Are Appealing the Judicial Review Decision
The Moorland Association is appealing the High Court’s refusal regarding burning regulations, citing concerns over how wildfire risks and public safety were assessed.

Andrew Gilruth
Feb 23 min read


High Court Ruling Leaves Wildfire Risks Unresolved
High Court refuses the Moorland Association's challenge to Defra's heather burning rules. The debate on wildfire safety and land management continues.

Andrew Gilruth
Jan 281 min read


Recent Wildfire Reporting in The Telegraph
We address recent media coverage on Natural England's wildfire guidance, staff safety, and shared responsibilities following our Freedom of Information request.

Rob Beeson
Jan 191 min read


Wildfire Risk Is About Fuel and Fire Behaviour - Not Latitude
Wildfire risk depends on fuel and fire behaviour, not latitude. Explore why international evidence on fuel management is vital for UK policy and safety.

Andrew Gilruth
Jan 84 min read


Evidence, Uncertainty and Policy Judgement: Reading the Parliamentary Answer on Moorland Burning
We examine NEER155, evidence uncertainty, and the distinction between science and policy judgment.

Andrew Gilruth
Jan 63 min read
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