Widespread dismay at extended moorland burning ban

Farming and rural organisations have expressed their dismay at the UK government’s decision to extend the area of peatland banned from controlled burning practises, saying it will increase the risk of wildfires.

The move sees the area excluded from burning of heather and grass increase to 676,628ha of deep peat – up from the current 222,000ha. That is an area equivalent to the size of Devon.

The extension comes into force from 30 September and redefines “deep peat” from the current 40cm to 30cm depth.

See also: Wildfire warning as Labour plans to ban controlled burning

Those wishing to burn in the restricted areas may still apply for a license, but these will only be granted under exceptional circumstances if applicants can demonstrate a clear need. 

“These new measures will create resilient peatlands that are naturally protected from wildfires,” said environment minister Mary Creagh.

David Walsh, head of public affairs, at World Wide Fund for Nature, added: “Protecting our uplands is a fantastic first step for storing carbon, restoring nature and reducing flood risk.”

Misguided decision

However, farming organisations say the changes will have the opposite effect.

“Defra has not heeded land managers’ grave concerns about wildfire risk and has pressed ahead with a misguided decision,” said Country Land and Business Association vice-president Joe Evans.

The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) added that these restrictions will place precious peatlands at greater risk of extreme wildfire events given climate change predictions.

“In the worst ever year for wildfires, it seems incongruous that government policy could be putting more of our precious peatlands at risk, not less,” said Henrietta Appleton, GWCT policy officer.

Increasing risk

With many of the wildfires this year breaking out in upland areas in which controlled burns and grazing was scaled back, the National Sheep Association (NSA) said it will create a tinderbox.

“This decision will increase the risk of wildfires, and unless the licensing system positively allows controlled burns, we remove a traditional method of land management that helps to create a mosaic of habitat and vegetation structure,” said NSA chief executive Phil Stocker.

The Countryside Alliance described the move as “insensitive” and “grossly irresponsible”, arguing rigorous science and evidence has either been overlooked, or ignored.