NSA flags wildfire risk following tighter regulations on grass/heather burning

Greater restrictions on grass/heather burning on peatland could put wider environments and property at risk from wildfires, warns the NSA.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker said the organisation had several concerns about Defra’s decision to extend burning prohibition to cover 676,628ha of peatland, up from 246,156ha.

NSA’s main concern is that applications to burn vegetation, which can be applied for under exceptional circumstances - one of which is to reduce wildfire risk – may not be granted by Natural England, meaning centuries old practices stop, heather and grasses become old, lignified and stemmy, and a tinderbox fire load accumulates on the hills.

NSA has been vocal in responding to high numbers of wildfires across the UK this year and is actively involved in strategic thinking with the fire service and authorities about fire control strategies in Wales. Many of these fires have been in upland areas in which controlled burns and grazing had been scaled back considerably.

Mr Stocker says: “Firstly, we are concerned that this decision will increase the risk of wildfires, and secondly, 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. Thirdly, it risks creating more tick habitats that present a health risk to livestock, wildlife, and humans.

“NSA responded to the consultation on this new legislation saying we recognised the importance of peatlands and wish to see them restored, but not at the expense of carefully planned land management. Our peatlands are a precious store of carbon and habitat for invertebrates and birds. I don’t think anyone wants to see them on fire. The risk of damage from wildfires is far greater than the risk from small areas of controlled burning, which are done in ways that avoid underground peat catching fire. Controlled fires undertaken by gamekeepers and farmers burn vegetation, while wildfires burn peat.”

NSA urges government and licensing agencies to consider dynamic and considerate licensing approval for limited burns that are done in a responsible manner. Prohibition of burning over a greater area should be accompanied with greater investment into capital works to rewet peat if the decision to restrict grass and heather burning is to have a positive impact on carbon capture and water quality.

Mr Stocker adds: “NSA would also urge the Government to give greater consideration to the role that grazing livestock has, well managed and shepherded, on reducing fire risks. This type of targeted management should be encouraged and incentivised as part of an approach to multifunctional land use. Burning can be done in a responsible and beneficial in order to prevent serious environmental and property damage.”