Moorland Association lodges bid to take Defra to court over heather burning ban

Defra said 'repeated burning' on peatland damages precious ecosystems, but the Moorland Association says heather burning has helped to save lives

Chris Brayford
clock • 4 min read
Andrew Gilruth, chief executive at the Moorland Association, said: "It is about preventing avoidable tragedy by ensuring that decisions on moorland management are made lawfully, transparently and with full regard to evidence and expert advice."
Image:

Andrew Gilruth, chief executive at the Moorland Association, said: "It is about preventing avoidable tragedy by ensuring that decisions on moorland management are made lawfully, transparently and with full regard to evidence and expert advice."

Land managers and gamekeepers have announced they could seek to take the Government to court regarding its decision to extend a ban on heather burning. In September, Defra confirmed it had extended...

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

 

WOODEAVES LIMOUSIN

WOODEAVES LIMOUSIN

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

PEDIGREE POLLED HEREFORD BULLS

PEDIGREE POLLED HEREFORD BULLS

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

DOWNGRADE MILK & CREAM

DOWNGRADE MILK & CREAM

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

More on Politics

Exclusive: Robbie Moore - 'Farmers and rural communities have been firmly at the bottom of Labour's priority list'

Exclusive: Robbie Moore - 'Farmers and rural communities have been firmly at the bottom of Labour's priority list'

The Shadow Farming Minister on why farmers are paying the price for Labour's urban outlook

clock 14 November 2025 • 4 min read
From the editor: Politicians' plotting means farmers must continue to plan

From the editor: Politicians' plotting means farmers must continue to plan

This week from Farmers Guardian editor Katie Jones

Katie Jones
clock 13 November 2025 • 2 min read
More than 12,000 letters sent to MPs to highlight IHT impact

More than 12,000 letters sent to MPs to highlight IHT impact

The NFU had encouraged members of the public to send letters to their MPs encouraging them to watch an emotional interview aired by BBC Countryfile

Alex Black
clock 11 November 2025 • 2 min read