NFU Scotland is calling for a further delay to the introduction of Scotland’s muirburn licensing regime, due to come into force on the 15 September, to ensure it does not undermine wildfire prevention.
With Scotland experiencing longer periods of dry weather and increasingly severe wildfire events, NFU Scotland believes practical land management tools must remain available to help reduce fuel loads and build landscape resilience.
The recent Cairngorms wildfire highlighted the growing threat posed by wildfires, with significant impacts on habitats, rural businesses, communities and emergency services.
NFU Scotland believes active land management must be central to Scotland’s wildfire response. Farmers, crofters, gamekeepers and other land managers play a vital role in managing vegetation, maintaining resilient landscapes and reducing the risk of uncontrolled fires.
NFU Scotland is concerned that the introduction of the new muirburn licensing regime would create unnecessary barriers at a time when effective vegetation management is more important than ever.
Debbie Playfair, Chair of the Environment and Land Use (ELU) Committee at NFU Scotland, said:
“Wildfire prevention starts long before the first emergency call is made. The people managing these landscapes every day need the right tools, support and flexibility to reduce risk.
“Responsible muirburn, carried out by skilled practitioners in appropriate conditions, remains one of the most effective tools available to manage vegetation and reduce fuel loads. We are asking the Scottish Government to delay the introduction of the licensing regime to ensure it is practical, proportionate and does not unintentionally increase wildfire risk. We have been working constructively with stakeholders and government since a licence was announced, however given the recent devastation of the fires, we do not believe now is the time to increase barriers to active prevention.”
NFU Scotland supports a balanced, evidence-led approach to upland management, combining livestock grazing with other appropriate tools, including cutting and responsible muirburn, to reduce wildfire risk while delivering environmental benefits.
The organisation is calling for a comprehensive Wildfire Resilience Strategy that recognises the role of active land management and provides targeted support for measures such as upland livestock grazing, firebreak maintenance, vegetation management, access routes and water points.
NFU Scotland is urging the Scottish Government to:
- Delay the introduction of the new muirburn licensing regime to allow further consideration of its practical impacts on wildfire prevention and land management.
- Ensure future agricultural support recognises the role of active upland management in delivering public benefits.
- Work collaboratively with farmers and crofters, land managers and wildfire experts to develop practical, evidence-led approaches to reducing wildfire risk.
Notes to editors:
- A photograph of Debbie Playfair is attached.
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Contact Megan Williams on 07920 018619