News

HEATHER BURNING SEASON STARTS

1st October 2004

October 1st marks the start of the traditional heather-burning season, The Moorland Association reminded members of the public today. With access to heather moorland for walkers on the increase, it is important to keep safe whilst appreciating the benefits of the work being carried out.

Moorland farmers and keepers have carried out burning to improve food sources for sheep, cattle and red grouse since the 1890’s. Said Simon Bostock, Chairman of The Moorland Association: “ Carefully planned, small-scale rotational burning, by trained gamekeepers, is used to encourage fresh shoots of heather where it has grown old. As well as providing plentiful food for red grouse and sheep, it creates a rich mosaic of habitats with vegetation of all ages. This offers a range of nesting conditions and varied food sources for a raft of nationally and internationally important birds such as curlew, lapwing, black grouse, red grouse, merlin and golden plover.”

Moorland managed for red grouse in this way accounts for 60% of upland Sites of Special Scientific Interest - the most protected and cherished areas for their landscape and wildlife.

Said Lindsay Waddell, Chairman of the National Gamekeepers Organisation moorland branch: “Proper heather burning is something learnt through experience and takes into consideration many factors: how wet or dry the ground is, the wind strength and direction, the lay of the land including natural firebreaks, the length and age of the heather and specific growing conditions.

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“Only small patches are burnt so there is little danger to the public but be aware that walk routes may be disrupted by smoke between October 1st and April 15th. Equally, despite the best planning, wind directions can change and members of the public are advised not to get too close.”

The Moorland Visitor’s Code gives more information for walkers heading for the hills and can be found on www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk.

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