Wildfire, muirburn and heather burning

You will all, no doubt, be very aware of the recent spate of significant wildfires that have occurred in various parts of the UK.

Whilst we know that human actions cause most wildfires, there are wider discussions ongoing across the UK about the management of the environment to mitigate wildfire risk. There is a pressing need to collaborate with communities, learn from our neighbours on the continent and beyond, and work with UK nature agencies to ensure that we properly plan, at a landscape scale, to reduce the likelihood of future incidents.

Climate change means the UK wildfire risk will only increase and we need to be prepared for that inevitability. Land use change is also exacerbating the risks of wildfires, with large areas of unmanaged vegetation adding to the potential fuel load.

The Fire & Rescue Services have managed the majority of media enquiries over the past two weeks, but, in our Director's role as lead of the Scottish Wildfire Forum communications group, Katrina Candy has been asked to respond to some of these enquiries (see below Financial Times and STV).

You will read in the Financial Times article below that, according to the James Hutton Institute, around 96% of wildfires occur outside of muirburn areas – an interesting statistic that, to us, underlines the need to retain well managed moorland landscapes.

This is your opportunity to respond to the current consultations

Taking all of the above into consideration, The Heather Trust will be responding to both the proposed changes to The Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) Regulations 2021 and the consultation Draft Muirburn Code (Scotland only) with regards the potential impacts on the long-term sustainability and resilience of well-managed moorlands for all the biodiversity and societal benefits they provide.

We encourage members to submit your own responses so that both Defra and NatureScot have the best possible evidence to shape workable policies that recognise and encourage sensible, positive land management practices.  

We have prepared some content to consider when completing your responses to both consultations. You can find by clicking the link below: