The government has announced an extension of its ban on burning heather and grass on deep peatlands in England, in a move designed to improve air quality, cut flood risks and protect wildlife.
From 30th September, the ban will cover 676,628 hectares of deep peat – up from 222,000 hectares – protecting an area larger than Devon.
Under legislation introduced in 2021, vegetation burning in protected sites, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and on areas of deep peat over 40cm may only be undertaken with a licence. That 40cm limit has now been reduced to 30cm, protecting more land.
The announcement comes following a consultation held between March and May 2025, which sought views on expanding restrictions on burning across more upland peat areas, while maintaining a licensing scheme for limited cases where burning is unavoidable, such as evidenced wildfire risk.
Responses revealed strongly held and often polarised views. Many stakeholders supported stricter protections, citing the environmental, climate, and health benefits of restoring peatlands.
Opponents – mainly land managers – warned of increased wildfire risk if vegetation cannot be controlled by burning. Some respondents also expressed concern over the complexity and length of the licensing process.
Overall, most acknowledged that restricting burning would bring economic and operational challenges but accepted the need for change.
Burning vegetation on peatland has long been criticised for its environmental and health impacts. In 2023, Cllr Tom Hunt, the leader of Sheffield City Council, wrote to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Steve Barclay asking for a ban on the practice of burning on the moors around the city.
The practice of burning around Sheffield exists for the benefit of grouse shooters. Burning the heather down produces younger roots which are more palatable to grouse and has the additional ‘benefit’ of reducing cover for those creatures that prey on the grouse.
Cllr Hunt said at the time: ‘Moorland burning does huge damage to our uplands. It destroys biodiversity, increases flood risk and reduces air quality. Air pollution kills. Fires have an immediate impact on hospital admissions and A&E attendances.’
The government says extending the ban is an important step in reversing the decline of these fragile ecosystems. Restoring peatlands to a healthy state would mean they can once again act as carbon sinks, natural flood barriers and rich wildlife habitats.
Environment Minister Mary Creagh said: ‘Our peatlands are England’s Amazon Rainforest – home to our most precious wildlife, storing carbon and reducing flooding downstream.
‘Burning on peatland releases harmful smoke ruining local air quality and damaging the precious ecosystems found in these iconic landscapes.
‘Restricting burning will help us restore and rewet peatlands. These new measures will create resilient peatlands that are naturally protected from wildfires.’
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