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


Results of Our Heather Burning Survey
We recently asked our members to complete a short survey about Defra’s proposed changes to rules around heather burning. Here is a summary of the results.

Rob Beeson
Apr 223 min read


Defra's Actions Are Increasing The Wildfire Risk: Our Letter in 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
Apr 151 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
Apr 151 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 132 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
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