Heather Burning

Heather burning is a regular activity on commons, particularly those with a shooting interest, where it is used to create a mosaic of different aged heather which is an ideal habitat for grouse (refer to Sporting management). It is not regarded as an ancillary activity necessary for the reasonable exercise of grazing rights of common and should therefore only be carried out by graziers with the landowner’s consent.

Where there is sporting interest on a common the responsibility for this operation is normally retained by the shooting interest. Any heather or vegetation burning carried out by landowners must ensure that a sufficiency of grazing remains for the commoners.

All burning must comply with the Heather and Grass Burning Regulations 2007. These prohibit burning between 16 April and 30 September in upland areas (Severely Disadvantaged Areas) and between 1 April and 31 October on all other land, unless a licence has been issued by Natural England.

Those applying for a licence must inform others with an interest in the land, including those with rights of common on common land. All burns must be controlled throughout and all reasonable precautions taken to prevent injury to people or damage to adjacent land. Burning must not start between sunset and sunrise.