Burning and Biodiversity: What a North Pennines Study Tells Us About Controlled Burning and Peatland Health
- Rob Beeson
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
Research from the North Pennines adds to growing evidence that traditional grouse moor management - including controlled heather burning - can benefit the health of peatlands.
The study looked at a deep-peat site on an actively managed grouse moor, comparing it with findings from a long-term experiment at Moor House National Nature Reserve.
Both sites showed a clear pattern: the highest levels of peat-forming plants like Sphagnum mosses and cotton grass (Eriophorum) were found in areas burned 3 to 10 years earlier.
This is important because Sphagnum moss is a vital part of healthy peatlands. It helps lock away carbon, store water, and create habitats for wildlife.
The study also found that as more time passed since a burn, tall heather became dominant, crowding out other plant species and reducing biodiversity. Over time, vegetation height increased, and species richness declined - suggesting that some level of intervention, such as rotational burning, helps keep the ecosystem in balance.
Crucially, this research wasn’t just from a nature reserve. It came from a working grouse moor - proof that traditional land management can support both rural livelihoods and environmental outcomes.
Takeaway: For those managing or living on moorland, this study shows that careful, rotational burning can help support healthy peatlands while maintaining the balance of our iconic upland landscapes.
Keep Updated With Our FREE Newsletter
📧 Keep updated on all moorland issues - sign up for our regular free newsletter.
