THE lack of data on the amount of muirburn carried out during the recent period of very high wildfire risk has been branded a “national scandal”.
Environmental campaigner Nick Kempe said there had been “a conspiracy of silence by government” about the amount and “the number of wildfires this caused”.
“The lack of data on this is a national scandal,” he said.
Muirburning is the controlled burning of moorland vegetation with the aim of promoting new growth of heather and grasses for grouse and grazing by sheep.
Organisations representing landowners, gamekeepers and farmers claim it reduces the risk of wildfires but this is disputed by those who want it banned.
Kempe said the claim that muirburn could prevent wildfires is being widely accepted by government agencies, mainly because the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services (SFRS) does not have the resources to investigate the cause of wildfires properly.
“It is claimed muirburn is a good thing because it reduces the fuel load and therefore, it is argued, the risks of wildfires getting out of control and causing serious damage,” he said.
“If that is correct, neither peatland, formed from dead vegetation, nor woodland could ever have developed in Scotland and there would be no hope of restoring nature.
“In fact, Scotland is a generally wet country and while summers are predicted to become drier due to global warming, periods of drought are still relatively rare and the damage done by wildfires relatively limited,” said Kempe of parkswatchscotland.
“The evidence of the past few weeks shows it would be even less if we banned muirburn completely and made it a criminal offence for anyone to light a fire outdoors when SFRS warnings are in place.”
Kempe’s onslaught comes after a number of farmer, landowner and gamekeeper associations raised concerns over a new system being introduced under the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024.
The Scottish Government plans to implement a new muirburn licensing regime ahead of the 2025-2026 season but rural stakeholders say there’s not enough time to gain a licence.
Kempe is also concerned about the changes, which will replace the current voluntary Muirburn Code, as he believes they are too lax. The proposals in NatureScot’s consultation include removing any reference to maximum wind speeds and removing warnings about the danger of burning on steep slopes.
He has been arguing for a complete ban on the practice after spotting several areas of muirburn getting out of control, including within Cairngorms National Park, during the recent dry spell when the SFRS warned the public about the dangers of wildfire.
“While I would encourage anyone concerned about wildfire to respond to NatureScot’s consultation on the Muirburn Code urging them to strengthen it rather than weaken it as they propose, muirburn licensing was never going to address the real problem,” Kempe said.
“We need to ban muirburn completely – creating fire breaks to limit wildfires is a completely different issue and does not need to start with fire.
“Sporting estates – which exist to provide private pleasure to those who enjoy killing other creatures rather than value nature – will never voluntarily act in the public interest or abide by any code if it’s not in their interests to do so.”
He said the Scottish Government should go even further and start to use its powers to compulsorily purchase sporting estates which have proved themselves incapable of managing the land responsibly.
“A good place to start would be all those estates that have carried on with muirburn in national parks and other protected areas despite the warnings of high risk from the SFRS,” he said.
“Instead of listening to landowning interests, the Scottish Government should look to Norway, a country whose climate and vegetation resembles ours in many ways, and ask why that country is not burned to bits like much of Scotland.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “It is our intention to bring the new muirburn licensing scheme into effect prior to the 2025/26 muirburn season. The new licensing scheme will ensure muirburn is undertaken appropriately by trained individuals to minimise negative impacts on peatlands and other sensitive habitats.
“Muirburn has the potential to have a positive impact on our environment, creating beneficial habitats for certain species and in creating firebreaks to help tackle wildfires.”
A spokesperson for NatureScot said: “We have been clear that in times of high and extreme fire danger, it is vitally important that the current Muirburn Code is followed in relation to where and when it is appropriate to burn – this includes taking account of the weather, vegetation conditions and nesting birds and only burning when it is safe to do so.
“A licensing scheme for muirburn and the associated new Muirburn Code are being introduced to help ensure that muirburn is carried out safely, appropriately and by trained operators. NatureScot has been working closely with the Muirburn Code Working Group to ensure both are robust and workable.
“Both the licensing scheme and the code are still in development, and we will continue to engage with all stakeholders as this progresses. This includes through the ongoing consultation on the new code.”
Michael Humphreys, national wildfire lead for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Land managers play a critical role in safeguarding communities from the devastating impacts of wildfires.
“Current evidence does not suggest muirburn causes wildfires. In fact, muirburn season ends on April 15 each year and we continue to see wildfires into June.
“Muirburn requires planning, skill and experience and land managers are always urged to follow the code that is in place to prevent damaging habitats, wildfire, and the wider environment.
“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s wildfire strategy was launched in 2023 and is supported by a planned spend of around £1.6 million over the course of three years.
“The service continues to invest in its wildfire strategy, having recently created 14 wildfire tactical adviser roles across Scotland.”
