Understanding Fire Behaviour on Heather Moorland: Key Findings from a Landmark Study
- Rob Beeson
- Oct 21
- 2 min read
This comprehensive study investigated how fire behaves and impacts heather moorland. It examined how fuel load, structure, and weather conditions influence the intensity, spread, and ecological effects of fire, with important lessons for moorland managers.
How Fire Behaves in Heather
Fires spread faster and burn hotter in older, taller heather stands. These “high fuel load” areas contain more dead material and fine fuel that ignite easily. Flames of up to 2.5 metres were recorded, occasionally reaching 4 metres in variable winds. This is significant as it is way beyond the 1.5 metre threshold for fire crews being able to tackle fires safely with hand tools.
Younger, denser heather stands burn much more slowly. Their tightly packed canopy restricts oxygen flow, making fires easier to control. The study confirmed that windspeed and fuel structure are the main drivers of fire intensity, with moisture also playing a major role, especially in dry or frozen spring conditions.
Effects on Vegetation
Under typical management conditions, variations in fire severity showed no lasting damage to vegetation. Heather (Calluna vulgaris) regenerated well through both seed and vegetative shoots. Severe fires that removed moss mats actually encouraged stronger heather regrowth and lichen colonisation.
However, regeneration in old, rank heather was often poor, with some patches turning to moss or grass. The author recommended avoiding burns in such areas unless part of a deliberate restoration plan using small, carefully controlled fires.
Management Implications
The study supports the traditional burning cycle of 10–20 years to maintain a healthy age mosaic of heather and reduce wildfire hazard. Key recommendations included:
Light small test fires before large burns.
Break up large blocks of mature heather to prevent uncontrollable fires.
Use local fire groups for mutual aid and safety.
Train land managers in fire behaviour and risk assessment.
The author warned that abandoning burning would increase fire hazard dramatically, as older, continuous heather stands are far more likely to burn intensely during wildfires.
A Balanced Approach
The research concludes that controlled burning, when properly planned and executed, is a safe and effective management tool. It helps sustain heather landscapes, reduces wildfire risk, and supports biodiversity by maintaining a variety of vegetation ages.
Takeaway
Thoughtful, skilled use of controlled burning remains vital for conserving Britain’s heather moorlands and protecting the rural communities who care for them.
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