By Tim Baynes, Director of SLE’s Moorland Group.
Setting the heather alight is an idiom that most are familiar with – even if some might not be sure exactly where the phrase originated from.
The benefits of controlled heather burning on moorland has long been known to land managers and scientists and the reasons for muirburn are fully explained in this two-minute video featuring gamekeepers from Grampian and Loch Ness.
Footage released in recent days showing muirburn being undertaken in the Cairngorms was described as ‘extremely disturbing’ by campaigners against grouse shooting.
However, what their video actually demonstrated was a carefully managed process by skilled gamekeepers in accordance with the muirburn code which was launched by Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham in September 2017.
With muirburn largely taking place in the spring, it is understandable that questions are often raised at this time of the year.
Our purple heather is iconic to Scotland’s rural landscape and if muirburn is not carried out then we could gradually lose our much-loved heather forever and that would be a tragedy for not only the people but for the habitats and species which depend upon it.
Grouse thrive in this habitat and so do other bird species – especially curlew, lapwing and golden plover which are low in numbers these days. Well managed heather provides a mosaic of different ages and is one of the oldest land management techniques which is still an essential part of grouse moor management today.
Yet, because it is a traditional technique, it does not mean that the science behind it is not being continually refreshed.
The Muirburn Code, as mentioned above, is designed to ensure practitioners are following best practice when carrying out burning. The code can be read here: http://muirburncode.org.uk/0-foreword/
We are also reviewing the latest science on a regular basis and more can be read about muirburn’s effect on peat accumulation and carbon storage here: https://www.giftofgrouse.com/2019/01/17/2717/
But perhaps most importantly, the campaigners fail to address the threat of uncontrolled wildfires if managed muirburn was halted.
Scottish Fire & Rescue has endorsed muirburn to avoid the spread of wildfires (https://www.giftofgrouse.com/2017/04/12/moorland-management-effort-in-tackling-wildfire/) and the following wildfire report from Rum Nature Reserve provides sobering reading on the substantial environmental damage that can occur if when these techniques are not employed regularly. (https://www.nature.scot/sites/default/files/2019-02/Rum%20NNR%20-%20Wildfire%20Report%202018.pdf)
Muirburn is a perfectly legal tool used by land managers and no evidence has yet been presented by campaigners to suggest that it is being carried out incorrectly. Until that point, the sector will continue to employ best practice muirburn techniques and work with researchers, government and stakeholders both UK and internationally to ensure the science behind it is as advanced as it can be.
https://www.amazon.com/camel-toe-underwear/s?k=camel+toe+underwear&rh=p_78%3AB0B3NH3BWR
I could not refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!
Great post.
Feel free to visit my web blog :: old-pussy.info
This site was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which helped me.
Kudos!
Feel free to surf to my blog … themilfblog.info
Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you’re a great author.
I will make sure to bookmark your blog and may come back down the road.
I want to encourage continue your great job, have a nice evening!
My webpage … thundernet.org
Great delivery. Sound arguments. Keep up the
great work.
my website: ttsteroids.info
Right now it seems like Drupal is the preferred blogging platform out there right now.
(from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
Also visit my site o-zdorovie.info
I am actually thankful to the holder of this web page who
has shared this impressive paragraph at here.
Here is my website: libertarian-examiner.com
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a
amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable
from you! By the way, how can we communicate?
my site; tedxyouthipoh.com
Peculiar article, totally what I was looking for.
Here is my blog :: genie-x.com
What’s up friends, its wonderful paragraph regarding tutoringand
fully defined, keep it up all the time.
Feel free to visit my web blog … bollywoodvideosex.com
Hi! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog.
Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick.
I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to start.
Do you have any points or suggestions? Cheers
My homepage frgporn.com
The referrals you have actually included incorporate a great deal reliability to the short article.
It appears you have actually performed your homework.
My web blog Cheap SR22 insurance
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for franck muller 585
0cc acier chronograph watch price
This is my first time visit at here and i am genuinely happy to read everthing at one place.
I was very pleased to uncover this great site. I need to
to thank you for ones time due to this fantastic read!!
I definitely liked every part of it and i also have you book-marked to see new things on your
website.
What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It positively useful and it has helped me out loads.
I hope to contribute & aid different customers like its aided me.
Good job.