By Felix Meister, D.Phil., Advisor Scotland
On Monday 26 January 2026, GWCT Scotland sent an open letter to the Scottish Minister of Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie MSP, which sets out our views on muirburn licensing and peatland management in the context of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024.
During Stage 2 discussions of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, Jim Fairlie had previously considered the possibility of introducing changes to muirburn licensing. However, he said that potential amendments would depend on an update on the scientific evidence that was being prepared by NatureScot. The update, which has since been circulated, concludes that the evidence for the relationship between muirburn and wildfires remains “unclear”.
Although a study co-authored by GWCT researchers found that the vast majority of wildfires occur outside moorland managed by muirburn (Fielding et al., 2024), we acknowledge that the available evidence is complex and nuanced. However, our letter emphasises that muirburn also needs to be considered as a conservation tool, especially for sensitive habitats such as blanket bog. We present substantial evidence for a positive effect of muirburn on important species such as Sphagnum mosses or cottongrass. We also report that there is very little research into the effects of cutting. We therefore conclude that the science does not support the presumption against muirburn and preference for cutting that is currently contained in the stipulations for licences for burning on “peatland.”
Stage 3 of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill is now closed and debate takes place today (27 January). The list of proposed amendments contains two suggestions (nos 43, 162) to repeal section 14(1)(b)(i) of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024, which states that a licence to burn on peatland may only be granted if “no other method of vegetation control is practicable”. Based on the scientific evidence, we support these amendments.
READ OUR LETTER HERE