Defra has announced new proposals to ban heather burning on upland peatland today. The proposals are backed by a recently published evidence review undertaken by Natural England and will apply to all upland peat over 30 centimetres (12 inches) deep. Defra says that will extend to an additional 146,000 hectares (361,000 acres) of upland peat area.
The proposals are currently out to consultation until 25 May 2025. If they go ahead, they will result in changes to the Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) Regulations 2021 and any burning will only be permitted under licence from Natural England in tightly defined circumstances.
Although the proposals are targeted at heather burning on grouse moors, those of our clients who farm in upland peat areas may also be interested in responding to the consultation.
