THE CLA (Country Land and Business Association) has commented on Defra’s decision to extend the ban on burning peat.
CLA Vice President Joe Evans said: “The CLA is extremely disappointed that Defra has not heeded land managers’ grave concerns about wildfire risk, and has pressed ahead with a misguided decision to restrict controlled burning on a threefold larger area of England’s upland peat soils.
“Defra continues to view controlled burning as a ‘last resort’ option. We strongly dispute the scientific basis for this. Controlled burning is the only reliable, proven method other than grazing that moorland managers have available to control moorland vegetation fuel loads. Land managers should remain able to choose when they use it.
“Defra’s policy will impair our capacity to fight wildfires in the uplands, at a time of worsening risk. It must urgently conduct a full impact assessment of these policy changes.”
CLA Director North, Harriet Ranson, commenting of managing fuel loads following the devastating Langdale Moor wildfire, said: “Even though the fire on Langdale Moor is now under control, the peat is still burning at 580 degrees today following the north Yorks fire – far more damaging than cool burns and more likely to happen if vegetation isn’t appropriately managed. Reducing fuel loads is crucial, especially as vegetation growth increases with milder weather.”
“Defra’s decision is jaw-droppingly non-scientific, and smacks of a policy decision made by those with no understanding or hands-on experience of appropriate land management, or in tackling wildfires when they do occur.”
“Local gamekeepers and land owners are the experts in upland land management and what they can do to manage fuel loads to minimise the risk of wildfires. This includes preventative measures such as prescribed cool burning, creating fire breaks, mowing vegetation and clearing away flammable materials such as highly flammable, dry gorse.”
Scotland has just suffered its largest wildfire event covering 11,826 hectares. As well as 33 local land based businesses contributing 101 employees to containing the fire, all the businesses involved said that improvements in prevention could be made by underscoring the importance of fuel load management and fire breaks.
