The government has on the proposals, which it has said would be extended to an extra 146,000 hectares, covered by the regulations banning heather burning.聽
The area falling within the regulations will involve changes to Less Favoured Areas, replacing the existing focus on Sites of Special Scientific Interest that are also Special Areas of Conservation and/or Special Protection Areas.
The definition of deep peat would also be revised, so that it is counted as anything over 30cms rather than 40cms, bringing more areas within the regulations.
Any prescribed burning would need to be done under a strict licence which the government has said will be issued where there is a 鈥榗lear need鈥�, citing reducing wildfire risk as an example.
鈥�These new proposals will be deeply concerning to upland farmers, particularly those managing moorland areas, who are already facing huge challenges.鈥�
NFU Deputy President David Exwood
The licensing system would require applicants to 鈥榮uccessfully explain鈥� why alternative methods have not, or would not, work and show how they intend to move the land away from the need to burn in future in order to receive a licence.
It鈥檚 also been proposed that one or more people carrying out a burn under the regulations must have completed a mandatory training course.
The consultation is being supported by . The England Peat Map, a detailed, open-access map of England鈥檚 peatlands, covering extent, depth, and condition, is being developed by Natural England and will be published later in the spring.
Uplands farmers facing huge challenges
Responding to the news, NFU Deputy President David Exwood said: 鈥淭hese new proposals will be deeply concerning to upland farmers, particularly those managing moorland areas, who are already facing huge challenges with the closure of the SFI scheme, reductions in direct payments and changes to inheritance tax.
鈥淐hanging peatland management practices could threaten the viability of livestock farming in these unique landscapes. We will work closely with our members on a response to this consultation.
鈥淲e will also continue to engage with Defra to ensure it understands the importance of upland farming systems, for food production and also for the vital peatland restoration work farmers are already doing, which is sequestering carbon and supporting the industry on the path to net zero.鈥�
The consultation will be open for eight weeks, closing on 25 May, and the NFU will be seeking feedback from members to contribute to its response.