RSPB welcomes Defra and House of Lords support for a burning ban on peatlands
The RSPB has today welcomed Defra and cross-party support in the House of Lords today for a burning ban on peatlands.
In the debate, Defra minister Zac Goldsmith said, “The evidence shows that the burning on blanket bog is detrimental as it moves the bog away from its original wet state and risks vulnerable peat bogs being converted to drier heathland habitat. Defra’s view is therefore that ending burning on protected deep peat is the best approach for achieving habitat restoration and maximizing the full suite of ecosystem benefits that would arise.” [Note One]
In a response to a question to Baroness Bakewell, Lord Goldsmith added; “Some of the clearest evidence that we have is that ensuring that peatlands are wet and in a natural state is the best way to minimise wildfire risk. It also tells us that managed burning results in an increase in vegetation types, such as heather, which have a higher fuel load as compared with natural blanket bog vegetation.”
Responding to the minister, Dr. Pat Thompson, RSPB Senior Policy Officer said; “We welcome Lord Goldsmith’s comments today and it’s great to hear Defra’s clear understanding of the issues and the need to ban burning on the peatlands in our uplands, a practice largely related to the driven grouse shooting industry. As we have long said, in a climate and ecological emergency, our peatland habitats should be restored, and not subject to routine damage that perpetuates poor condition for nature and climate.
It was particularly good to note the minister’s words that so-called “managed burning” as currently practiced increases fuel load and therefore wildfire risk. Our work to restore and re-wet our own upland nature reserves both increases their wildlife value and their resilience to wildfire.”
The Minister’s comments follow recent widespread calls for a ban from Mayors, local councils and local communities.
Dr Thompson added; “Although the final decision rests with the Secretary of State, it is increasingly clear that no-one, save for those running driven grouse shoots, wants this practice to continue. It is bad for wildlife and bad for people. We await with interest the decision, and the long-overdue publication of the England peat strategy.”
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Teresa Dent recently said on behalf of GW(C)T – our next blog will look at whether controlled, cool, winter burns do actually prevent carbon accumulating in peat, or dry it out, or prevent blanket bog from being restored.
Will she be asking Mr Gilruth to tackle Zac Goldsmith with the same fervour that he uses to indiscriminately attacK the RSPB?
Wake up and small the coffee would be my advice!
Let’s hope something comes of this. However Goldsmith talked about ending burning on “protected deep peat”. Does this mean the burning won’t end where the peat is not protected and deep? What is the guy saying? If they try to differentiate on the depth of peat this will be an utter shambles and the shooters will carry on as they have always done. Secondly, no doubt Defra will stall as long as they possibly can on this.
So over all I would not trust Defra round the corner. The likelihood is that it is more words and little or no action.
I couldn’t agree more Alan. Can’t understand why RSPB are welcoming this. It has been DEFRA’s position for some time now that burning peatlands should be controlled. All that has changed is that they have now put some emaciated flesh onto some very bare bones.
Looks like burning will only end on deep peat on SPA/SACs and maybe SSSIs. No indication of when this might happen and how it might be legislated and enforced. Stand by your beds for a lengthy period of data gathering to determine “where” and procrastinatory industry consultations to determine process. As always I think we will have to rely on Scotland to take the lead – but I’m not holding my breath there either.