Amanda Anderson, director of the Moorland Association, said: “We believe our members are following (and) following best practice guidelines and we are in touch with Defra on this matter.
“It is important to note that England’s Fire and Rescue Service supports controlled burning in wildlands to prevent wildfires, the most serious threat to carbon storage, as wildfires can ignite potential peat,” she said.
A Defra spokesman said: “We are investigating possible breaches of heather and peat burning regulations and could not comment further during the course of our investigation.
Vulnerability
“The government and Natural England continue to work with landowners to promote sustainable highland management practices, with record funding to protect and restore England’s iconic peat landscapes.”
Rebecca Newsom, head of politics at Greenpeace UK, said the current ban was “buggy” and poorly enforced, with some landowners appearing to be ignoring it.
“Peatlands are the UK’s largest terrestrial carbon store, help prevent flooding and are home to rare plants, insects and birds.
“Why does the government turn them into a scorched wasteland for the self-interest of the few?
“If ministers are serious about protecting this important landscape, they should ensure that this evidence is thoroughly investigated, that the burning of peatland is completely banned by law, and that additional funding is committed to ensure enforcement,” she said.
shattered
Dr Patrick Thompson, senior policy officer at RSPB UK, said: “It is clear from the evidence we have gathered that England’s new peatland burning regulations are not working and that large-scale burning of peatland vegetation and protected interiors is still taking place. .
“We are in a natural and climate emergency. Intensive and destructive land management practices such as burning continue to damage and further threaten this important carbon and nature-rich ecosystem.”
He called for a total ban on grouse chicks and a permit.
Luke Steele, executive director of Wild Moors, said: “By allowing the grouse moor burning to continue in any way, the government has not only allowed the peatland to be destroyed, but it has also left room for existing rules as they are a disadvantage. , be broken.
“Wild Moors is urging the government to put out the Grouse Swamp fires once and for all by completely banning the burning of peatland.”
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Emily Beament is a PA environmental reporter.
