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

 

More on Politics

Spring Statement 2026: What can farmers expect and what do farmers need?

Spring Statement 2026: What can farmers expect and what do farmers need?

Tax experts look ahead to the Spring Statement and some of the key farming policy details which Chancellor Rachel Reeves should consider, including a reversal of IHT changes

Chris Brayford
clock 27 February 2026 • 5 min read
Food production needs to hard-wired back into ag policy, Efra Committee Chair says

Food production needs to hard-wired back into ag policy, Efra Committee Chair says

Is there enough emphasis placed on food production's role in supporting not only nature restoration, but flood management, climate change mitigation and food security?

Chris Brayford
clock 27 February 2026 • 3 min read
NFU Conference 2026: Decline in food production must end now

NFU Conference 2026: Decline in food production must end now

Can the Government put its money where its mouth is and deliver its manifesto commitment for at least half of all food purchased across the public sector to be locally sourced?

Chris Brayford
clock 26 February 2026 • 2 min read