Wildfires

The Wildlife Trusts wrongly claimed that 68% of upland wildfires are caused by managed burns. The real figure is closer to 5–10%. Here’s why accuracy matters.

Wildlife groups misrepresented Natural England’s evidence on moorland burning, overstating harm and ignoring uncertainty. Our analysis exposes how Defra was misled.

Scotland has paused new burning rules to prevent wildfire risk, England has not. The Moorland Association urges Defra to listen, learn, and act before disaster strikes.

Defra claims there’s a “scientific consensus” against managed burning, yet its own research says otherwise. We exposes how misinformation became policy.

Scotland works with land managers to prevent wildfires, Defra blocks them with red tape. A tale of two governments: one pragmatic, the other dangerously detached.

Natural England’s 2025 evidence review on managed burning ignored key findings from the James Hutton Institute, overlooking vital UK data on wildfire risk and fuel load.

Defra’s legislation to treble the land on which prescribed burns are effectively banned creates immense risks to rural lives and livelihoods. We are fighting it with huge energy and on all fronts.

The Moorland Association is taking legal action against Defra’s new burning regulations, warning they increase wildfire danger and put rural lives at risk.

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.

George Winn Darley provides a an up close and personal account of the recent wildfires at Langdale Forest and Fylingdales moor.

In a robust column for The Telegraph, Lord Botham has pointed out how the government's new restrictions on heather burning will inevitably lead to more wildfires.

A group of moorland scientists in the Future Landscapes Forum say a government proposal to ban prescribed vegetation burning on deep peat risks serious ecological and wildfire consequences.