Heather and Grass Management Code 2025: What’s Changed Since 2007?

On 30th September 2025, the Government published a new Heather and Grass Management Code, replacing the 2007 version. While the earlier code focused mainly on burning, the new guidance reflects wider environmental priorities, legal changes, and an emphasis on peatland restoration.

Here we set out the key differences and explain what they mean in practice for land managers.

From Burning to “Management”

• 2007 Code: Called the Heather and Grass Burning Code. Burning was presented as the main management tool, with advice on timing, safety, and avoiding damage.

• 2025 Code: Now the Heather and Grass Management Code. It covers both burning and cutting, placing greater weight on alternatives and encouraging outcomes-based management.

In practice: Land managers are expected to show that burning is necessary and proportionate, with cutting or other methods considered where possible.

Stronger Focus on Peatlands

• 2007 Code: Burning on peat was discouraged in general terms but allowed under certain conditions.

• 2025 Code: Explicitly states that healthy peatlands do not require burning. The preferred approach is rewetting and restoration, with a strong steer away from fire as a management tool.

In practice: Burning on peat over 30cm deep now requires a Defra licence (introduced in 2021 and tightened in 2025). Land managers must consider restoration measures such as blocking drains or reducing grazing.

Licensing and Legal Requirements

• 2007 Code: Referred to the Heather and Grass Burning (England) Regulations 2007. Consent or notice was required in some circumstances but the process was less restrictive.

• 2025 Code: Reflects the 2021 and 2025 amendments, meaning:

  • Burning on deep peat in Less Favoured Areas (LFA) requires a Defra licence.

  • More detailed reference to Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) consents and agri-environment scheme conditions.

  • Section 4 summarises all key legal requirements, including penalties.

In practice: Managers must check licensing rules before burning and keep written records. A licence may take time to obtain.

Management Plans and Collaboration

• 2007 Code: Encouraged planning ahead but largely left it to individual judgment.

• 2025 Code: Requires a written management plan, ideally covering several years, and encourages collaboration with fire and rescue services and local communities.

In practice: Expect more paperwork and formal planning, but also recognition of wildfire management as a shared responsibility.

Safety and Wildfire Prevention

• 2007 Code: Focused on avoiding damage, firebreaks, and safe burning practice.

• 2025 Code: Adds explicit reference to Wildfire Management Plans and stresses that burning/cutting should reduce fuel loads while safeguarding people, property, and sensitive habitats.

In practice: Fire safety remains critical. Gamekeepers’ role in reducing wildfire risk is indirectly acknowledged through references to fuel management.

Environmental and Conservation Emphasis

• 2007 Code: Aimed at balancing farming, shooting, and conservation.

• 2025 Code: Places more emphasis on carbon storage, biodiversity, and the historic environment. Burning is framed as potentially harmful unless carefully justified.

In practice: Greater scrutiny from regulators and the public. Land managers will need to demonstrate conservation benefits when carrying out burning.

Summary of Key Changes

What’s New in 2025

• Burning code widened to “management” (burning + cutting).

• Explicit steer towards peatland rewetting and restoration.

• Burning on peat >30cm requires a Defra licence.

• Stronger links to SSSI consents and agri-environment schemes.

• Written, outcomes-based management plans required.

• Greater collaboration with fire services and communities.

• Stronger focus on carbon storage, biodiversity, and historic sites.

What Has Stayed the Same

• Burning remains a legal management tool when carried out responsibly.

• The Code is voluntary, but linked closely to legal regulations.

• Safe practice, timing, and protecting wildlife remain at the heart of guidance.

Why This Matters

For land managers, the new Code reflects a shift in policy priorities. While burning remains permitted, it is more tightly regulated and closely tied to peat depth, conservation outcomes, and licensing. The emphasis on rewetting and restoration shows the direction of government policy.

Understanding these changes is essential to avoid falling foul of the law, to maintain good relations with regulators, and to continue demonstrating the positive role of traditional moorland management in safeguarding wildlife, reducing wildfire risk, and supporting rural livelihoods.

Takeaway: The Heather and Grass Management Code 2025 makes it clear that burning is no longer the default option - it must be justified, licensed where required, and part of a broader management plan.

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