Scottish Muirburn Season 2021 coming to an end
17th March 2021
NSA Scotland Members are reminded of the protocols when carrying out Muirburn and that they have less than one month within the standard season which comes to an end on 15 April 2021.
Burning is an important management tool for controlling heather and increasing the amount of forage available for grazing livestock. It is an essential benefit for sheep farmers and also encourages new growth of young grasses. However, it has the potential to maintain and rejuvenate heaths but it also has the potential for lasting damage if uncontrolled or used in the wrong situations. Each part of the UK has its own regulations that controls the date that burning can be carried out and separate Codes of Practice have been published to provide guidance for practitioners on the regulations and give guidance on how to carry out burning.
There are a number of statutory restrictions which must be followed when undertaking muirburn. The Scottish Government’s Muirburn Code outlines these restrictions and along with its supplementary guidance provides guidance on how to carry out muirburn. In addition to this a Muirburn Plan must be prepared in advance of any burning or cutting and must include compliance to the Muirburn Code
Heather cutting or swiping is not covered by the same legislation but as with burning should not be carried out between the 15 April and 1 October. Follow the principles outlined in the Muirburn Code for cutting.
Under cross compliance, recipients of direct support payments (e.g. Basic Payment Scheme) have to meet the requirements of Good Agricultural and Environment Conditions (GAECs), some of which relate to the Muirburn Code.
- you must burn or cut in accordance with the Muirburn Code
- fires or cut areas must not exceed 50 metres in width
- you must not burn within fire free areas, as detailed in your Muirburn Plan
- you must keep a record of the areas burnt or cut and identify their locations on a map
- you must maintain a diary
In exceptional cases, muirburn may be licensed (1 May to 30 September) for a specific purpose that couldn’t be achieved by burning in season such as:
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conserve, restore, enhance or manage the natural environment
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conduct research
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protect public safety
Examples might include burning to:
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create a suitable seedbed at the appropriate time of year for the natural regeneration of nearby native woodland
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research the effects of muirburn on dry heath in September
Should you need to apply for a muirburn extension, please click here to access specific information.
