Yesterday, we responded to the Government’s announcement that it is to extend the ban on burning of heather and grass on deep peat in the uplands by redefining its depth from the present 40cm to 30cm and extending the ban on burning from 220,000 hectares to 676,628 hectares. Our response, which can be read here, highlighted how the government had either ignored or overlooked the most recent research and evidence which firmly supports the use of controlled burning as an essential management tool in reducing fuel loads. This is especially pertinent given the increasing risk of wildfires, and their significant negative consequences for the environment and livelihoods. The government’s complete lack of understanding and knowledge of moorland areas and the importance of their management is seriously worrying, as to further extend the ban on burning is not just dangerous, it is also irresponsible.

Robbie Moore, Shadow Farming and Rural Affairs Minister and MP for a moorland constituency (Keighley and Ilkley) has likewise been highly critical of the Government’s announcement that it is to further extend the ban on burning on moorland, saying:

“All users of our uplands and peatlands will be deeply frustrated with today’s announcement. It illustrates a deep disregard and total naivety associated with improving the health of our precious peatlands and moorland habitats. 

“Farmers, land managers, gamekeepers, our firefighters, and others all know that proactive, controlled burning is key to reducing the size and risk of natural wildfires. This year alone there have been over 30 moorland wildfires, notably within the Peak District, South Pennines, North of Scotland and most recently in the North York Moors. They have resulted in huge devastation to wildlife, the environment, our precious peatland and rural businesses.

“The Government have entirely failed to understand the choice between managed manmade burning, or huge, uncontrollable and dangerous wildfires. Instead, they have pursued a naturalist agenda devoid of the practical realities of managing these habitats, and have chosen to be blindsided by ideological agendas, rather than practical realities.

“Once again DEFRA, under this Labour Government, have ignored the advice of external industry experts, including the NFU and National Fire Chiefs Council, and instead listened to their in-house team at Natural England. We seriously need to look at how Natural England is offered so much sway in the department at the expense of alternative viewpoints.

“We should not be fooled by the token promise of licenses to continue burning on the peatland affected by today’s announcement. In making this decision the Government have shown they do not believe burning is a necessary tool to control wildfires. Given that licenses are only to be granted in “exceptional circumstances” it seems unlikely that any would be given for the normal, but necessary, pattern of management.”