Heather Burning Consultation: Why We’ve Called for a Pause and What We’ve Said if It Goes Ahead
- Rob Beeson
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
The Moorland Association has prepared its draft response to Defra’s consultation on Heather and Grass Burning in England. While our first and strongest recommendation is that this consultation be paused, we’ve also made sure to respond in full should the Government press ahead.
Below is a summary of why we’ve asked for a pause - and what our position is if Defra proceeds regardless.
Why the Consultation Must Be Paused
We have serious concerns about the process and evidence underpinning this consultation:
Flawed science: The evidence Defra relies on, particularly Natural England’s NEER155 and RP2967 reports, is methodologically weak and lacks the rigour needed for national policy decisions. Key ecological functions like hydrology and fire resilience are ignored in favour of narrow species-based measures.
Process failures: There are no draft regulations for stakeholders to review, and key documents - like the updated Heather & Grass Management Code - have yet to be published. Limiting public feedback via a restrictive online form adds insult to injury.
Policy conflicts: The proposals directly contradict the Corry Review, Dartmoor Review, the 25-Year Environment Plan, and England’s Wildfire Framework. Restricting cool burning increases fire risk and undermines broader environmental goals.
Our Response If the Consultation Proceeds
Despite these objections, we have prepared a detailed response addressing the consultation’s proposals, you can read a summary below. This is currently a working draft which we will continue to develop and we welcome your comments on it.
Meanwhile, we want Defra to hear from as many of those who have local knowledge and experience as possible. Please take the time to complete the online consultation before 25th May. You can read our advice on how to do so here.
1. Expanding Restrictions to All LFAs
We oppose extending burning restrictions to all Less Favoured Areas. This move assumes one-size-fits-all management across highly diverse upland peatland environments - an approach we believe is scientifically unjustified and dangerous.
2. Redefining “Deep Peat” as 30cm
We reject the proposed change from 40cm to 30cm. There is no ecological or hydrological basis for this new threshold, and it would significantly increase the area under regulation without any clear conservation benefit.
3. Licence Grounds and Process
We support the addition of “research” as a valid reason to apply for a burning licence.We oppose the removal of cool burning as a legitimate management option, arguing that wildfire prevention and biodiversity conservation both require it in many cases.We agree that supervisory practitioners should undertake accredited training, but not every individual involved in a burn.
4. Compulsory Code Compliance
We oppose making compliance with the new Heather & Grass Management Code mandatory before it has even been published. Without seeing the new Code, stakeholders cannot provide informed feedback on its enforceability or appropriateness.
Economic and Operational Realities
We surveyed our members and found:
85% currently use burning as a management tool.
Most would need to adjust operations, at considerable cost (ranging from £5,000 to £130,000 in capital costs and £5,000–£20,000 annually).
Many doubt that licences will be granted, citing the Government’s stated bias against burning.
Restrictions will lead to increased fuel loads and wildfire risk, especially where cutting is impractical or untested.
Our Position in Summary
We want a pause in this process so that:
The science can be properly reviewed
Draft regulations and the new Code can be published
Stakeholders can contribute meaningfully and constructively
But if Defra insists on continuing regardless, our message is clear: traditional cool burning must remain a lawful and legitimate land management tool - not a last resort.
It Is Vital You Submit Your Response
Please take the time to complete the online consultation before 25th May. You can read our quick guide on how to do so here.
