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Britain's moorlands are at the heart of a vigorous debate about land management. At the core of this discussion is driven grouse shooting and the associated moorland management practices.

A new three-year study from Northeast China sheds light on how prescribed burning can increase carbon storage in peatlands – a result that challenges common assumptions about fire and carbon loss.

Generalist predators like carrion crows and foxes have thrived in modern Britain. Their rise has come at a cost - particularly to our most vulnerable ground-nesting birds.

Rewetting is a crucial piece of the puzzle for peatland wildfire mitigation, but on its own it rarely provides a sufficient safeguard against the complex, multifactorial threat of wildfires in a changing climate.

We strongly disagree with David Robson’s recent article “Yorkshire’s inglorious moors and the lies of the land” which portrays moorlands as “ecological deserts”, drained and degraded by landowners.

Controlled burning faces strong opposition rooted in common misconceptions. This post addresses the main objections to controlled burning, presenting clear, evidence-based rebuttals to set the record straight.

Unmanaged moorlands, characterized by heavy fuel loads and difficult access, lead to more severe, prolonged, and costly firefighting operations, often requiring extensive personnel, specialized equipment, and aerial support.

A study shows grouse moors supported twice as many breeding waders, including curlew, lapwing, and golden plover. Curlew breeding success was four times higher on grouse moors.

There was a significant increase of 1,150% in hen harrier numbers in England between 2016 and 2023. This remarkable growth is a testament to the success of collaborative conservation efforts.

Limiting wildfire carbon emissions – through better fire prevention, rapid suppression, ecosystem restoration, and climate change mitigation – will be crucial for meeting long-term emissions targets and preserving the carbon storage functions of the world’s forests and peatlands.

A tiny, seemingly unremarkable creature poses a significant and growing threat to our moorlands: the heather beetle (Lochmaea suturalis).

The reintroduction of golden eagles in Donegal is threatened by low prey biomass. In contrast, southern Scotland's cooperation with land managers has boosted eagle numbers.