Gisborough Moor, from across Sleddale, is marked by neat, rectangular patches of scorched heather. These are “swiddens,” the product of controlled burning, a practice designed to create the perfect environment for grouse. The idea is simple: burn the old heather, let fresh shoots grow, and produce an abundance of birds ready to be shot in the name of “sport.”
The consequences of this ritualistic destruction are well documented. Some 80% of England’s peatlands are now degraded. When healthy, these rare habitats store carbon; when burned and drained, they release it instead. Wildlife, including adders, toads, and ground-nesting birds, are often incinerated in the process.
This is not a new issue, and I have posted about it many times before. The firebreaks—strips of mown heather—around each swidden in the photograph prove that heather can be managed by mechanical means rather than fire. But tradition is hard to shift, especially when it involves shooting birds for amusement.
Today, however, there has been some progress. The Government is proposing to extend the ban on burning heather on deep peat. The North York Moors alone contain over 5,000 hectares of deep peat, and large-scale burning harms wildlife, worsens air quality, and increases flood risks. These proposals might begin to address the problem.
The previous government banned burning on deep peat in certain conditions. However, the regulations were conveniently full of loopholes, leaving large areas unprotected. The new proposals tighten the definition of “deep peat” from 40cm to 30cm and extend protection beyond designated conservation sites. Any burning would require a licence and only be permitted where absolutely necessary, such as for wildfire prevention. Natural England has, unsurprisingly, backed this approach.
Wildlife protections would also be strengthened for species such as curlews, golden plovers, and dragonflies. More land would be restored, and additional funding would be allocated for peatland restoration and tree planting.
Under the new licensing system, landowners wishing to burn would have to justify why alternative methods can not be used and how they plan to phase out burning in future.
Naturally, countryside groups are not pleased. They have long claimed that restrictions on heather burning are an attack on grouse shooting, and the Countryside Alliance has lobbied against a ban. Expect them to protest loudly.
The benefits of these changes are clear: cleaner air and water, reduced flood risks, and greater environmental stability. A consultation on the proposals is now open for public comment and will run for eight weeks. If you have any interest in the future of our moors, now is the time to speak up. The survey can be found here.
The UK holds 13% of the world’s blanket bog, a globally rare habitat and an important part of our national heritage. Ensuring better protection for deep peat is long overdue.
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