Help protect our precious peatlands

Peatlands are vital ecosystems, that are home to remarkable wildlife such as Hen Harriers and Black Grouse, and they play a crucial role in our efforts to tackle climate change. But many are in a poor state, with burning a particular problem in England's uplands. The Government is currently consulting on proposals to better protect these habitats.  

Read our news briefing to understand the issues with burning on peatlands and why better protections are needed. 

Understanding the issues. 

The proposals are another huge step in the right direction to properly protect our precious peatlands. The public consultation on the proposals runs until 25 May 2025 and we’d like your help. Please submit a response and help us protect our precious peatlands. 

Some of the questions are just for land managers, but some are for everyone. Here’s how you can help:  

The consultation, which closes on 25 May, can be found here:  

Defra consultation on heather and grass burning in England

First, you’ll need to say a little about yourself, then answer several questions.  Here’s a rough guide, but please use your own words, and of course offer your own views!  

Part A - Proposed amendments 

A1 – Do you agree with the proposals to change the boundaries of the Regulations to LFA to protect more peatland? 

Yes.  Then in your own words give your reasons why e.g. peatlands are a vital resource for nature, help us store carbon and provide multiple benefits for society.  A large area of peatland habitat is currently exempt from the prohibition of burning on peat.  

A2 – Please use the box below to provide your thoughts, if any, on the proposal to remove protection from those SSSIs that fall outside the LFA.

All areas of peatland habitat, but especially blanket bog and wet heath should be protected if they occur outside the Less Favoured Area.  

A3 – Do you agree with the proposed change of the prohibition of burning on peat ‘over 40 cm deep’ to peat ‘over 30 cm deep’?

Yes.  This will give much needed additional protection to a large area of shallower peat habitats, some of which may have supported deeper peat in the past.  However, we would also like consideration given to rare and declining habitats such at wet heath that lie on peat under 30cm in depth.  

A4 – Under what ground(s) would you be most likely to apply for a licence to burn? 

Unless you are a landowner or manager, leave blank. 

A5 – Do you agree that ground ‘(d) because the specified vegetation is inaccessible to mechanical cutting equipment and any other method of management is impracticable’ should be removed? 

Yes – areas of rough, difficult terrain that are not practical to cut by machine, may support stands of older dwarf shrub vegetation and are worthy of protection in their own right.  Such areas should not be routinely burnt except under licence. 

A6 – Do you agree with adding ‘research’ as a ground to apply for a licence under the Regulations? 

Yes, but only if the research questions being addressed are relevant to the further restoration and protection of peat and the wider upland ecosystem. 

A7 – Would you support a move to link the revised Heather and Grass Management Code to the Regulations, making it compulsory to follow rather than advisable? 

Yes.  The Code should promote best practice and compliance with best practice is critical to getting our upland peatlands into a fully functioning state. 

A8 – Would you support a move to make it a requirement to complete an accredited training course prior to burning under a licence granted under the Regulations? 

Yes.  Given the risk of fires getting out of control, those ‘making’ and attending fires should be equipped and trained to use fire safely and as agreed under the terms of licence. 

Part B – Application Process 

B1 – Are you aware of the Regulations and what they cover?   

If you are not familiar, you can read the current regulations here – then you can answer yes. 

The remaining questions in Parts B and C of the consultation are for land managers, so if you are not a land manager you can skip these questions.

Part D – Further Questions

D1 – Do you have concerns about the impacts of burning on the environment? 

Yes – [for example] I am concerned with the extent of burning still visible in some upland areas.  I worry about the impact of burning both on peat but also on the wildlife that lives on our peatlands, some of which may not be able to get out of the way of fire. 

With the climate changing, I’m increasingly concerned that burning at the end of the burning season is an increasing threat to breeding birds, with most species back in their breeding grounds by the start of April.  

D2 – Have you been impacted in any way (positive or negative) by the use of burning as a land management method?  

Answer yes if you have been affected by smoke pollution in the vicinity of burning.  Likewise, if your community has suffered flooding linked to the way moorland near you is managed.  Provide links and examples.