Blazing row over burning heather
Landowners angered by tougher restrictions
BURNING heather on peat bogs is set to be restricted in a blow for moorland landowners and grouse shoots.
Heather and other vegetation is commonly burned on a rotational basis as a ‘vital tool’ to stop it growing too tall and to force it to give way to new growth.
But new regulations will prevent any burning on areas of deep peat – more than 40cm (15in) in depth – on a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
There may be specific exemptions granted by Environment Secretary George Eustice in extreme circumstances where there is a wildfire risk, with licences issued to cover several years.
The news has sparked anger among landowners who are worried about the impact of new legislation and further restrictions. Controlled burning on patches of heather usually takes place on so-called blanket bog during winter on an eight to 12 year rotation.
Burning can encourage the heather to produce new green shoots to feed grouse and livestock, and prevent wildfires. It does not burn down to the peat – only the heather is burnt and the flame is extinguished by skilled gamekeepers.
However there is a consensus that burning vegetation on peat bogs is damaging to the formation of peatlands and habitats.
The Government said restoring England’s ‘national rainforests’ are a priority and will help reduce carbon emissions.
Blanket bog, which is a type of peatland, is a ‘delicate habitat of international importance’ with the UK having 13 per cent of the world’s blanket bog.
Mr Eustice said: ‘Our peatlands have great potential as a natural store of carbon, as well as protecting habitats, providing a haven for rare wildlife and being a nature provider of water regulation.
‘The burning of heather on these sites makes it more difficult to restore their natural hydrology which is why we are taking this step today.’
Conservation charities have welcomed the news, while countryside groups have questioned the necessity of the legislation.
Tony Juniper, chairman of Natural England – which advises the Government – said: ‘This is a hugely welcome announcement which will see better protections for our globally important peatlands. Blanket bog is an amazing habitat that provides essential environmental benefits including carbon storage, a home for wonderful wildlife, clean drinking water and flood mitigation.
‘This is why it is vital we ensure these systems are healthy with peat-forming species, such as sphagnum mosses, thriving in water-logged conditions.’
But Amanda Anderson, director of the Moorland Association, said: ‘Heather burning is a vital tool for moor owners and managers who are heavily involved in peatland restoration and tackling climate change. They will be concerned over the impact new legislation and further restrictions may have on their important conservation work. This is an extremely complex issue.’
Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, questioned whether the legislation was necessary because ‘landowners had already agreed to reduce burning and to do it only for specific purposes’.
He added: ‘But given the Government had announced last year it was moving towards a ban, the important thing is that if they need to, landowners can use burning as one of the tools to avoid a situation where we have catastrophic wildfires and for conservation purposes where they can’t use mowing and other management options.
Ecosystems such as peatlands are capable of absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide known as ‘carbon sinks’, making them ideal for helping to tackle climate change. They store at least twice as much carbon as all of Earth’s standing forests.
The plans will be presented to Parliament for approval before they come into force.
‘Extremely complex issue’