Are New Muirburn Rules a Recipe for Disaster? Wildfire Risks Rise in Scotland

New licensing rules for the controlled burning of heather and moorland vegetation in Scotland are raising alarms among land managers. According to Scottish Land and Estates, the technical demands of the new muirburn licensing scheme might hinder landowners’ ability to secure necessary permits, potentially leading to an increased risk of wildfires. The Scottish government insists that landowners have had sufficient time to adapt to these changes, yet the warning follows a series of wildfires, including significant incidents on Isle of Arran and Cumbernauld.

Typically, muirburn is conducted to promote new heather growth beneficial for wildlife while also managing excess vegetation which can become a wildfire hazard. However, it poses risks to peatlands, which are crucial for carbon storage and biodiversity. The new Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act introduces stricter licensing regulations, allowing muirburn on peatlands only under very specific conditions.

Ross Ewing, a representative from Scottish Land and Estates, expressed concerns that the complex requirements could discourage landowners from practicing muirburn altogether. He argued that if the licensing process becomes overly cumbersome, it could lead to increased fuel loads over broader areas, thereby raising the likelihood of wildfires. The group has urged ministers to reconsider the feasibility of the current regulations.

While the Scottish government acknowledges the benefits of muirburn in creating firebreaks to combat wildfires, they believe that adequate preparation time has been afforded to land managers. A spokesperson noted that the new regulations aim to ensure muirburn is conducted safely and responsibly by properly trained individuals, thus minimizing adverse impacts on peatlands and other sensitive ecosystems. These rules are slated for implementation ahead of the 2025/26 season, following a period of significant legislative review.