By Felix Meister, D.Phil., Advisor Scotland
Today (1 October 2025) marks the beginning of the 2025/26 muirburn season in Scotland. This season will be a special one, as many of the new provisions of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 are expected to come into force halfway through it, i.e. on 1 January 2026. Thus, while the start date of the muirburn season is the same as in previous years, the end date will be that of the newly defined muirburn season (15 September to 31 March). Moreover, the new muirburn-licensing scheme will also come into effect on 1 January. This means that, as of that date, it will be illegal to make muirburn unless under a valid muirburn licence issued by NatureScot.
The GWCT Advisory Services in Scotland are available for helping estates in Scotland prepare to meet the requirements of the new licensing scheme. As part or our Muirburn Planning Services, we carry out peat-depth surveys to identify areas eligible for licence applications, and produce comprehensive Muirburn Plans to document compliance with NatureScot’s new Muirburn Code. As part of our Data Management Services, we also provide an easy digital solution for land managers to record ignition points and fire sizes on their mobile phones.
For more information on the new provisions or our services, please call 0131 2027670 or write to scottishadvisory@gwct.org.uk.