News

NO SMOKE WITHOUT FIRE!

28th April, 2004

The Moorland Association launched a new ‘ Fire Watch’ campaign today (28th April) and is asking visitors to moorland areas to report any fires they see from now until the end of September to the fire brigade immediately. The traditional moorland ‘burning season’ is now over so any fires are likely to be unintentional and uncontrolled – like those of last Spring – and they can be fatal to farm animals and important wildlife, as well as devastating to the landscape.

Said Simon Bostock, Chairman of The Moorland Association: “Between 1st October and 15th April controlled burning takes place on the moors. Carefully planned, small-scale rotational burning by trained gamekeepers is used to remove old and lank heather to encourage fresh shoots from the base of the plant and from seeds. This light, surface burning ensures a plentiful source of young heather shoots as food for red grouse and sheep. Burning areas in rotation each year creates the diversity of habitats on which moorland birds rely. Crucially, controlled burning creates fire-breaks and reduces the ‘fuel’ in the event of an uncontrolled fire. We urge all visitors to please report any fires seen on moorland outside these dates to the fire service immediately, and if possible, to the nearest dwelling.”

Smouldering cigarette ends, broken bottles and dropped matches can all cause uncontrolled fires on moors - particularly during the spring and summer. Especially in periods of high fire risk, visitors are asked to respect all warning signs and to never light fires on moorland - not even gas stoves or barbecues.
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Severe wild fires last Spring left large areas of our unique moorlands black, scarred, prone to erosion and devoid of wildlife – perhaps for decades. Alerting the nearest dwelling will also get news of fires to the moorland keepers who, when first on the scene with appropriate fire-fighting equipment and experience, can help minimise the damage and provide essential assistance to the Fire Service.

- Ends –

Notes to Editors
75% of the world’s remaining heather moorland is found in Britain.
It is estimated that there are 800,000 acres of heather moorland still remaining in England and Wales, of which Moorland Association members are responsible for the management of 750,000 acres. It is their aim to halt the loss of heather moorland and secure its future. Find out more on www.moorlandassociation.org

Over 60% of heather moorland is now designated as either Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), with further safeguards such as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) to protect important animal and plant life.