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We welcome Emma Reynolds MP as Secretary of State for DEFRA. The department is crying out for her energy and fresh thinking.

Scientists have questioned the claim that prescribed heather burning causes a net peat carbon loss and contributes to the climate crisis.

Heather beetle continues to cause concern across the uplands. Members have asked about the role of burning in relation to beetle control and recovery. Below is a summary of past research, observations and opinions drawn from the scientific literature.

Landowners are increasingly seeing applications made under the Commons Act 2006 (Schedule 2(4)) to register land as common land on the basis that it is “waste land of the manor.”

A new study from Nevada, USA, has found that smoke from wildland fires can lead to increased hospital visits for breathing and heart problems - and the type of fire makes a difference.

A ten-year study across three British upland peatlands has found that active heather management - especially controlled burning - can improve the nutritional quality of key moorland plants.

This blog post provides a detailed summary of the paper: Unprecedented UK heatwave harmonised drivers of fuel moisture creating extreme temperate wildfire risk.

Britain’s birds of prey are thriving. Red kite, buzzards and sea-eagles are all doing well. Golden eagle numbers are up. And, in England, hen harrier numbers are at a 200-year high.

A new UK study has shown how extreme heatwaves can dramatically increase the risk of severe wildfires on heath and peatland landscapes.

Proactive land management - including traditional burning - is essential to protecting both ecosystems and rural communities from catastrophic wildfire.

Red grouse are famed for their ability to thrive on heather, a plant that makes up most of their diet. Heather is tough, woody, and full of fibre - not the easiest food to digest. A new study has revealed how grouse manage it.

An update from the North York Moors Moorland Organisation showing the extent of the damage caused by the Langdale Moor wildfire, damage which would be far worse were it not for the brave efforts of firefighters, gamekeepers and farmers.