False Claims, Ignored Evidence: The Real Story of Yorkshire’s Moors

The Moorland Association welcomes informed debate about the state of Yorkshire’s moorlands and the challenges facing upland management. However, 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.

1. The ecological value of regularly managed heather moorland

Contrary to suggestions that managed heather is devoid of biodiversity, extensively managed moorlands, including those managed for grouse shooting, provide vital habitat for species such as red grouse, curlew, lapwing, golden plover, ring ouzel, and other upland birds. The mosaic of heather regeneration following rotational burning supports insects, ground-nesting birds, and small mammals, contributing to overall moorland biodiversity.

2. Controlled burning is an essential tool for wildfire prevention

The article criticises burning practices but fails to acknowledge the role of controlled burning in reducing fuel loads. Decades of scientific research support the controlled use of burning to create a patchwork of different-aged heather, lowering the risk of large-scale wildfires that threaten moorland ecosystems and rural communities. Policy restrictions that limit safe burning have inadvertently raised wildfire risks across uplands.

3. Historical drainage and peat disruption

While there has been historical impact from drainage schemes and peat extraction, many of today’s land managers are actively restoring peatland hydrology through rewetting, revegetation, and ditch blocking. These measures aim to reverse degradation, sequester carbon, and improve habitat - addressing precisely those concerns raised by the article.

4. Collaborative conservation and community livelihoods

Local estates, farmers, gamekeepers, and conservation bodies often work in partnership to deliver sustainable moor management. Grouse moor management supports the rural economy through local employment, tourism, and stewardship practices that complement broader biodiversity initiatives. Many estates undertake conservation grazing, predator control, and bird monitoring, all contributing to a healthier upland environment.

5. Mischaracterising landowners

The article's tone paints landowners and gamekeepers as environmental villains. This risks overshadowing the contributions of responsible practitioners engaged in active conservation. Many landowners are part of collaborative frameworks, supporting best-practice burning, peat restoration, and wildlife monitoring.

In conclusion, suggesting that Yorkshire’s moorlands are solely degraded by “big landowners” misrepresents the complexity and responsibility of present-day land management. The Moorland Association advocates evidence-based approaches that balance wildfire risk reduction, habitat restoration, cultural heritage, and rural livelihoods.

We welcome ongoing constructive dialogue with policymakers, conservation organisations, scientists, land managers, and the wider public. Should journalistic misunderstandings arise, we remain open to provide clarification, factual context or arrange guided site visits to illustrate modern, sustainable moorland stewardship.

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