Research Paper Summaries

Scientific research confirms what experienced land managers have long known - older, taller heather burns hotter and faster. Understanding fuel load helps ensure safer, more effective controlled burning on Britain’s moorlands.

A summary of a comprehensive study on how fuel, weather, and management influence fire behaviour and regeneration on Britain’s heather moorlands.

New research shows controlled peat burning before rewetting cuts methane emissions by over 95%, disproving Natural England’s claims and supporting traditional moorland management.

Wildfires are driving a surge in deaths across the US through toxic air pollution. New research highlights why preventing large fires through active land management is vital.

New research shows UK wildfire risk is rising sharply as vegetation dries in sync, exposing Defra’s failure to act on science and rethink peatland policy.

A 2023 James Hutton Institute study shows Scotland’s uplands face rising wildfire risk, with managed burning vital to reduce fuel build-up and protect communities.

Peatland management is complex: burning and cutting both carry risks and benefits. Finding balance is key to carbon storage, water, wildlife and rural life.

A new analysis has exposed serious flaws in Natural England’s official evidence review on prescribed heather burning.

Peatlands store vast carbon, but calling them climate “saviours” is misleading. A new review shows why nuanced, site-specific evidence matters for policy.

A major review finds no solid evidence that prescribed heather burning causes biodiversity loss, highlighting mixed, context-dependent impacts on UK peatlands.

2025 has been the worst year on record for wildfires in the UK. The data illustrate just how bad. Imagine what the data will look like once the impact of the government's new burning restrictions take hold.

A major review finds no robust evidence that prescribed heather burning causes flooding, exposing flaws in studies and highlighting the need for better research.