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Defra Ignores Wildfire Science
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.

Andrew Gilruth
Oct 14, 20253 min read


VIDEO: Managing Heather Beetle Damage - How Expert Keepers Protect Our Moors
A severe heather beetle outbreak has forced moor keepers to burn young heather early to aid regeneration and reduce wildfire risk - vital, expert-led management.

Rob Beeson
Oct 14, 20252 min read


Conservative Frontbench Tables Motion Against Defra’s Burning Ban
The Moorland Association’s campaign to overturn Defra’s winter burning ban gains momentum, with a parliamentary motion, legal action, and growing political pressure.

Andrew Gilruth
Oct 14, 20251 min read


68% Wrong: The Wildlife Trusts’ Wildfire Myth
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.

Andrew Gilruth
Oct 13, 20253 min read


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

Andrew Gilruth
Oct 13, 20253 min read


A Lesson from Scotland: Don’t Wait for Disaster to Act
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.

Andrew Gilruth
Oct 10, 20252 min read


Why is Mary Creagh Still Repeating a False Claim? Who is Advising Defra Ministers These Days?
Defra claims there’s a “scientific consensus” against managed burning, yet its own research says otherwise. We exposes how misinformation became policy.

Andrew Gilruth
Oct 10, 20253 min read


Scotland Acts on Wildfire Warnings While Defra Turns Away
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.

Andrew Gilruth
Oct 9, 20253 min read


Establishing Natural England’s Consent to Burn on SSSI Units
Applying to burn on a SSSI? Learn when you need Natural England’s consent, how to check existing permissions.

Andrew Gilruth
Oct 9, 20253 min read


Natural England’s Missing Fire Evidence: How Its Report Overlooked the James Hutton Institute’s Key Findings
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.

Rob Beeson
Oct 9, 20256 min read


The Battle Over Burning
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.

Andrew Gilruth
Oct 8, 20252 min read


Protecting Lives, Not Just Landscapes - Why the Moorland Association Is Taking Legal Action
The Moorland Association is taking legal action against Defra’s new burning regulations, warning they increase wildfire danger and put rural lives at risk.

Andrew Gilruth
Oct 8, 20253 min read
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