Advice for Responding to Defra's Heather and Grass Burning Consultation
- Rob Beeson
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
It is essential that Defra hear from as many people with local knowledge and experience as possible. Please read our short guide below and then complete the online consultation.
Practicalities
The closing date for responses is 25th May 2025
The consultation document is available on the Defra consultation website
You can respond online via the consultation website or by sending an email to HGBConsultation@defra.gov.uk
What the Consultation is About
The Heather & Grass Burning Regulations 2021 currently prohibit the burning of heather or grass on peat over 40cm deep on land within a SSSI which is also an SAC/SPA without a licence
The consultation seeks views on:
Changing the definition of ‘deep peat’ to peat over 30cm
Changing the area affected to all land within a Less Favoured Area
Amending the grounds for a licence
Making compliance with the Heather & Grass Burning Code mandatory
Making accredited training compulsory for those involved in burning
The consultation also asks for your experience of the current Regulations and your views on the economic and other impacts.
What the MA is Saying
We are calling for the consultation to be paused because we have concerns about the evidence base, legal and procedural matters, ecological and operational risks and conflict with other Government policy
Nevertheless we have also drafted a response to the consultation questions which you can find here. This is a draft response and we welcome your views and comments to help us develop it further before submission.
What to Include in Your Consultation Response
Your first-hand knowledge and experience
Examples or brief case studies
Explain the impact on your business and local community
The MA draft response is published to help you frame your answers, but try to avoid cutting and pasting chunks of text.
