Farmers ignored on wildfire risk as Defra extends heather burning ban

Is Defra right to extend a ban on heather burning?

Chris Brayford
clock • 7 min read
Shadow Farming Minister Robbie Moore said: "Farmers, land managers, gamekeepers, our firefighters, and others all know that proactive, controlled burning is key to reducing the size and risk of natural wildfires. It illustrates a deep disregard and total naivety associated with improving the health of our precious peatlands and moorland habitats."
Image:

Shadow Farming Minister Robbie Moore said: "Farmers, land managers, gamekeepers, our firefighters, and others all know that proactive, controlled burning is key to reducing the size and risk of natural wildfires. It illustrates a deep disregard and total naivety associated with improving the health of our precious peatlands and moorland habitats."

Defra has extended a ban on heather burning to the dismay of farmers and rural organisations who said the decision is 'misguided' and 'ignores' concerns over wildfire risks. Announcing the decision...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Politics

Iran War: Trump urged to protect farmers from food supply shocks
Politics

Iran War: Trump urged to protect farmers from food supply shocks

Can US President Donald Trump help protect farmers from disruption to supply chains after Iran threatened to blockade oil tankers which need to pass through the Strait of Hormuz?

Chris Brayford
Chris Brayford
clock 10 March 2026 • 4 min read
EXCLUSIVE - Ann Davies: "The future of this industry depends on who farms next"
Politics

EXCLUSIVE - Ann Davies: "The future of this industry depends on who farms next"

Caerfyrddin MP Ann Davies has urged the Government not to target future generations of hardworking farmers through changes to Inheritance Tax. She said the future of farming relies on being able to pass on the family farm through succession

Ann Davies
clock 10 March 2026 • 3 min read
Letter: As the High Court Hearing on the proposed changes to IHT approaches, the lead claimant says "the story must be what happens inside the courtroom"
Politics

Letter: As the High Court Hearing on the proposed changes to IHT approaches, the lead claimant says "the story must be what happens inside the courtroom"

Tom Martin, the lead claimant, has asked that those arriving in London to support the hearing do not bring tractors, horns or inflammatory banners

Tom Martin
clock 07 March 2026 • 1 min read