The Heather Trust

Introduction

2012-12-31T14:00:00.000Z

Welcome to The Heather Trust's Blog. Here, I try to keep you up to date with events that affect the Trust and the management of the uplands throughout the UK.

For a more traditional look at events and for background about the Trust, please have a look at our website http://www.heathertrust.co.uk

We would welcome any contributions, comments or feedback at any stage. By ourselves, we cannot hope to capture all the interesting and relevant goings on across all the moorlands, heathlands & uplands of the UK.

This Blog provides an opportunity to cover opinions and issues that might otherwise slip between the cracks of other publications.

As part of our work for Scotland's Moorland Forum, I run another Blog that has some different information, but I will link to it from here when there is relevant information to share. For those so inclined, the trust also has a Twitter account (@heathertrust).

Simon Thorp

Director

Kyoto Protocol and National Accounting for Peatlands

2012-02-09T11:20:00.000Z

Work in progress on Exmoor (photo:ENPA)

The IUCN UK Peatland programme has published a briefing that describes the changes to accounting for peatlands introduced as a result of the conference in Durban, last year.

This information is not easy to digest, but the news is good in that drainage and re-wetting of peatlands can now be taken into account to meet emissions reduction targets.

This is recommended reading for all with an interest in peatland management.

'Investing in Peatlands: Demonstrating Success' Symposium 2012

2012-02-08T19:58:00.000Z

The symposium takes place at Bangor University in North Wales, 26 - 28 June 2012. The symposium will assess how peatland restoration can safeguard biodiversity and deliver ecosystem services, such as climate and water regulation or preserving knowledge archives, and how challenges in knowledge gaps can be addressed.
This is the third of three conferences being organised by the IUCN UK Peatland Programme. The website has more information and details of how to book.

CAP post-2013 - What others are saying

2012-02-07T06:56:00.000Z

This extract from the latest edition of Landscope from Smiths Gore gives a view of the direction that the ongoing discussions about the review of the CAP are taking.

Government commitment on greening
Defra has said that English farmers entering or renewing agri-environment agreements can subsequently optout without penalty if they have to make changes to their agreements as a result of CAP greening.

CLA supports greening of CAP
Giving evidence to the open debate on the future EU farm policy, Professor Allan Buckwell, policy director of theCountry Land and Business Association, said that the big theme in the reform is greening and not delivering onit would be a “wasted opportunity”. He supported channelling 30% of resources from Pillar 1 towardssustainable environmental management – saying that it would represent a 5-fold increase in current agri-environment expenditure and make the reform ‘highly radical’ although questioned whether a one-year systemis the right one for delivering environmental goods. He said that it is logical that organic farming and agri-environment measures with the same higher environmental standards should be automatically entitled to the30% allocation of direct payments under Pillar 1.

New argument developing on greening and bio-products
The European Commission seems to be politically manoeuvering to include energy crops and non-food crops forbiofuels in the greening proposals for the CAP. Environmental bodies are likely to oppose the move but theCommission has recently published a report stating that the EU is in danger of losing its status as global leaderin the field of biosciences unless funding is increased and policies, such as the CAP, support the sector.

Scottish Government consultation on proposals
The Scottish Government is consulting on the Pillar 1 and 2 proposals.

England - Heather Burning Inquiry - More detail

2012-02-06T10:56:00.001Z

Walshaw Moor Estate, South Pennines. Follow the links for more background information about the Judicial Review and the Public Inquiry.

England - Heather Burning Inquiry - Walshaw Moor Estate

2012-02-05T15:56:00.000Z

See today's article in The Telegraph for the background and an update about the public inquiry that has been hearing the appeal by the Walshaw Moor Estate in the South Pennines against restrictions proposed by Natural England on heather burning.

Concerns about burning on blanket bog are at the centre of this issue; Natural England appear to want to restrict the burning cycle preferred by the estate. The details of the inquiry are not yet available but the outcome, and the judicial review that follows it, will have a major bearing on the management of the English uplands that is likely to spill over into other parts of the UK.

The management of moorland for grouse is correctly reported as being the most significant factor on much of the English uplands. It attracts the investment, that pays the wages of the gamekeepers, that produce the grouse, that attracts the guns, that provides the income to justify the investment and provides the financial benefit to the whole community.

While grouse might be the driving factor, we should not lose sight of the other benefits that management of our uplands brings. Increasingly the wider benefits from management are being recognised: for agriculture, through improved quality of grazing; for biodiversity, through the increased species mix; for the ecosystem services, through amongst other factors, better quality water and better storage of carbon in peat; and for the landscape, by avoiding monocultures of invasive species such as bracken, scrub and coarse grasses.

A Heather Trust view is that it is possible to meet all these diverse objectives through an integrated, management approach. To achieve this we must not stop the private investment in these areas and to justify this investment requires grouse production, and an appropriate burning regime. To turn off the private investment is to condemn much of the uplands to becoming an unproductive, species-poor desert.

Thinking CAP: Upland Research & Management

2012-02-02T11:19:00.000Z

The online booking facility is now available from the GWCT website. For details see the earlier post, below.

Thinking CAP: Upland Research & Management - 13 March 2012

2012-01-31T22:50:00.002Z

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust in partnership with Scotland’s Moorland Forum will be holding an event on Tuesday 13 March 2012 between 09:30 and 15:00 at the Huntingtower Hotel, Crieff Road, Perth PH1 3JT

The Thinking CAP event is being supported by Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Government. It will consider the current state of evidence about upland management and how this relates to the funding available through the Scottish Rural Development Programme. The funding options in the SRDP are under review and in the afternoon delegates will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the relevance of the current options and discuss changes that they would like to see introduced.

Registration, coffee and lunch: £12 inc VAT per attendee

2 Feb 12 - the online booking facility is now available from the GWCT website

The Thinking CAP event has been kindly sponsored by Turcan Connell and PDG Helicopters.

Wales - Heather Burning Leaflet

2012-01-26T21:30:00.000Z

A new leaflet has been published to provide guidance about heather & grass burning in Wales. To a casual observer it is a strange document that seems to serve little purpose.

I would not argue with the sentence on the website that states, "Burning can be dangerous and cause damage to the environment and wildlife." if it was placed in context. Where is the balancing statement about the benefits that well conducted burning can provide?

My view remains that good burning is good; bad burning needs to be stamped out. This can only be achieved by encouraging people to get the training and experience needed to burn properly. Emphasising the negative side of burning will result in less effort and more areas of rank heather that is looking for a way to die. Heather beetle needs no second invitation, as I witnessed first hand in mid-Wales last year.

If we want to retain heather in Wales, it needs more management, not less.

Bleaklow gets more heather seed

2012-01-18T11:01:00.002Z

The next phase of the re-seeding work on Bleaklow in the Peak District is underway with 5,500 bags of seed waiting (see the photo) to be airlifted onto the moor. Details about the work of the MoorLIFE project have been published in the local paper.

50,000 year old peat moss

2011-12-23T11:40:00.001Z

Here is some information from research in Hawaii that could cause a stunned silence if dropped into conversation during a Christmas social gathering.

If you do not know anything about sphagnum mosses, you will not be alone, but look out for the 'simple' guide that will be published by the Field Studies Council early next year, which has been part sponsored by The Heather Trust.

Scotland: High Nature Value farming and crofting

2011-12-20T17:48:00.001Z

Scottish Environment Link has published a file note that provides a definition of High Nature Value Farming and argues that it deserves more consideration. A thought from the file note to ponder: rather than see a large part of Scotland dismissed as being a 'Less Favoured Area' (LFA) would it be better to view these areas as being potentially high value in terms of the environmental goods produced. Is your cup half empty or half full? Perhaps the introduction of 'Areas facing Natural Constraint' (ANC) as a successor to LFA will help introduce a change of perception.

Scotland: The Woodland Expansion Advisory Group

2011-12-19T12:22:00.002Z

The Woodland Expansion Advisory Group (WEAG) has been established in response to The Scottish Government's wish to increase the amount of woodland cover in Scotland from 17% to 25%. The WEAG has established a consultation process which closes on 6 January 2012 and a copy of a letter that was sent by the Group to stakeholders can be downloaded from the FCS website.

The WEAG has announced a series of seven stakeholder events across Scotland between 21 February and 1 March 2012, and details can be found on the WEAG page of the website.

I aim to add some further thoughts to the blog as I develop the Trust's response to the consultation, but in the meantime the WEAG has announced a series of seven stakeholder events across Scotland between 21 February and 1 March 2012, and details can be found on the WEAG page of the website.

More on the 2011 Grouse Season

2011-12-19T10:40:00.000Z

A second article about the success of the 2011 grouse season in today's edition of The Scotsman is by Lord Hopetoun, the chairman of the Scottish Land & Estates Moorland Group. He comments on the environmental benefits arising from the investment in moorland management, and also very importantly on the benefits to the communities in the areas where this investment takes place.

The Grouse Season in Scotland

2011-12-19T09:43:00.000Z

The Scotsman carries a summary of the 2011 Scottish grouse season. As stated in the article, 2011 has been a season to savour and this is good news all round.

From a Heather Trust perspective, good grouse bags can only be achieved from well-managed moorland and the income generated from the grouse justifies the continuation of this management. It may also encourage those who are not managing their moors to their potential to invest in them for the benefit of grouse and all moorland and upland plants and species.

Statistical Digest of the English Uplands 2011

2011-12-15T17:46:00.005Z

This document was published today and contains every statistics you might want for the English uplands, and more besides.

I was asked to comment on the scope of the work in the early stages and expressed some disappointment that there is no information about: land included in sporting enterprises, the split between land entered into HLS & UELS schemes and land that forms drinking water catchments.

Valuing Nature Network

2011-12-15T12:32:00.003Z

The Valuing Nature Network is a NERC (Natural Environment Research Council) interdisciplinary network for valuing biodiversity, ecosystem services and natural resource use. The network is open to new members and registration can be carried out from the website.

Of particular relevance to our work is the 'Assessing and valuing peatland ecosystem services for sustainable management' project which is being led by Mark Reed from The University of Aberdeen, amongst others. I am attending a workshop set up by this project on 19 January 2012.

Heather Trust Annual Report Articles

2011-12-14T15:03:00.000Z

For the first time the best bits of the Trust's annual report are available online.

Some of the Trust's annual report, which is published in August each year, is inevitably devoted to telling the world how wonderful we are. However, every year we are blessed with some guest articles that provide width and added interest for the recipients of the report and it is these articles that, with the permission of the authors, are now available on the Trust's website.

All the articles are of a high standard but if you only have time to digest three of them, let me give you my recommendations: 'What Makes heather so Special?' by Prof Charles Gimingham, the response to the Fair Game BBC TV programme by Douglas McAdam of Scottish Land & Estates, and Prof Steve Redpath's 'A Glimmer of Hope for Hen harriers'.

The report is circulated to members and a few additional people who we think will benefit from learning about what we do. But as a trial we are making the guest articles available to everyone. If you enjoy reading these articles, please let us know. Alternatively, you could sign up to become a member and receive your own printed copy of future reports in August. Membership starts from (only) £40 p.a. - follow the link for more details.

Bracken Control - The Yorkshire Post

2011-12-05T11:41:00.001Z

Ian Rotherham has picked up the story about asulam in today's edition of The Yorkshire Post. He provides a useful summary of the current position and what we are doing about it. Asulam is banned, but long live Asulam!

Peatland Management - letter to The Scotsman

2011-12-04T22:23:00.001Z

The Scotsman published a letter on Friday (3 December) suggesting that management of the uplands for deer or by burning heather was detrimental to the carbon capture & storage potential of the uplands. Adam Smith, Director Scotland for the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and I disagree and have sent the following letter to the Editor:

Sir,

Contrary to the letters on Friday, a balanced view suggests our peatland performance is not presently so poor. The recently published findings from the IUCN Commission of Inquiry rightly identifies that enhancing carbon capture on deep peat, such as blanket bogs, is at least theoretically achievable. We are concerned that making this the key objective for all Scottish peatland systems is short-sighted. Research evidence supports the view that management carried out by landowners and managers to enhance habitats for grazing by, for example sheep, cattle, deer, grouse and hares, actually increases the ability of our hills to capture carbon and store it in the peat. And the removal of litter and dense vegetation by managed fire reduces the likelihood of peat-damaging fires, such as those seen this spring in many areas where rotational muirburn is not practiced.

Managed fire in Scotland’s hills is an internationally recognised means of delivering biodiversity, cultural and economic outcomes from our upland peatlands. Our achievable vision is integrating peatland restoration, which maximises carbon capture and water quality, with the many services our farmers and sportsmen deliver from other parts of our hills for the benefit of all people in Scotland.

Adam Smith, Director Scotland, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust,

Simon Thorp, Director, Heather Trust

Single Environment Organisation for Wales

2011-12-03T17:43:00.001Z

The Welsh Assembly has announced that the proposed merger of the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), the Forestry Commission Wales and the Environment Agency Wales will go ahead. The single organisation will open for business on 1 April 2013. More info.

Is this decision a sign of the future for other parts of the UK? Will the inevitable turbulence be justified by the introduction of better management of the environment and countryside, and good relations with land managers, or will it result in happy bean counters, but leave a single organisation that is under resourced?

Mar Lodge - Independent Review

2011-12-03T11:33:00.000Z

See the post of the Moorland Forum Blog about the independent review of moorland, woodland and deer management that has just been published.

The comments at the bottom of the 'read the final report' page are also worth a look, e.g. "the arrogance of those with education but no knowledge or experience is very frustrating".

The Rhododendron’s Road to Redemption

2011-12-03T11:22:00.001Z

The link between Rhododendron and Phytophthora Ramorum has been established and this has made this invasive plant even less welcome.

See The Telegraph's article about how one estate has found a commercial use for rhododendron cuttings as part of a control programme.

Formation of Irish Bogs

2011-12-03T11:09:00.001Z

This link takes you to an article that provides a view on how man's influence encourages the formation of blanket bog in Ireland, but how raised bogs formed without man's influence.

Raised bogs have been the main target for fuel. 800,000 tons per year of peat (called turf when cut) were extracted for fuel during the period 1814 - 1946 and this led to the destruction of half of Ireland's raised bogs. Bord na Mona was set up to manage the extraction of peat and there were 100,000 ha of raised bogs remaining in 1969 of which Bord na Mona owned 45,000ha.

The extraction of peat at this rate seems strange in the current peat-friendly times.

A Monthly Perspective

2011-12-01T20:10:00.001Z

I have launched a new initiative today. Patrick Laurie writes a monthly column for The Shooting Gazette but as he lives near Dumfries, I have given him the task of writing a monthly article, A Monthly Perspective, which will be his views of what we have been up to in the previous month. It will be interesting to see what he makes of it!

You can get to the first submission through the website.

EC Pressure on Irish Bogs

2011-11-23T09:28:00.001Z

The pressure from the EC on the Irish Government is increasing to stop the cutting of turf (peat) on protected Irish bogs. See the article in the Irish Times.

While we may agree that this is correct, what about the peat extraction in the UK? It seems odd, to say the least, that we are talking the the talk about re-wetting to conserve peat and carbon while peat extraction is still allowed to continue. There is a site not far from here in Dumfries.

FWAG in receivership

2011-11-22T17:08:00.001Z

See the Farmers Guardian article from more information about an appeal for funds. The article refers to the UK and seems to ignore the fact that FWAG Scotland disappeared sometime ago. Presumably FAWG Cymru is suffering the same fate, but can anyone confirm this?

Visit to Northern Ireland for the NSA

2011-11-22T09:42:00.001Z

I visited Northern Ireland at the invitation of the National Sheep Association to speak at two workshops: at Glenwherry in Co. Antrim and at Hilltown, close to the Mourne Mountains. The Glenwherry event was written up in the Irish Farmers Journal and the article can be read here.

Sustainable Uplands - Richard May

2011-11-22T09:32:00.001Z

Richard, as a Board member, is not just a star, he is now a star of stage and screen. In this video, he supports Mark Reed, the project manager, in discussing the Sustainable Uplands project.

Sustainable Uplands Music Video

2011-11-22T09:20:00.001Z

This video produced by the Sustainable Uplands Project, which I have been part of, captures the artistry of 20:20 Vision and presents some stunning images and video accompanied by compelling music. Recommended watching for all with a passion for moorlands, uplands or bogs. It serves to remind us of why we care about such areas.

Phytophthora Lateralis

2011-11-21T22:08:00.001Z

The Forestry Commission has confirmed that this diseases has been found on Lawson Cypress trees in Devon. For more detail see the FC website.

This is another variant of the diseases P. Ramorum and P. Kernoviae which have been associated with attacks on larch trees and also on bilberry & heather. It is something that I am keeping a close eye on as these diseases have the potential to cause the loss of heather on a large scale.

The Abbeystead Meeting

2011-11-07T15:55:00.001Z

The Northern Farmer has published a report about the meeting at Abbeystead that followed the AGM on 27 September 2011. See today's earlier post for views about sheep ticks arising from the meeting.

Tick Bites and Lyme disease

2011-11-07T15:36:00.001Z

If you are seeking extra detail about Lyme disease, following the earlier post, may I draw your attention to the excellent Factsheet published by the Royal Forestry Society?

Of particular note is the photograph of the 'bullseye' rash. If you see one of these, it is time for prompt action.

Sheep Ticks - Farmers Guardian

2011-11-07T11:20:00.000Z

The meeting we held at Abbeystead on the back of the AGM, on 27 September has resulted in some press coverage about sheep ticks in the Farmers Guardian. This is good to see as there has been little recent coverage about the threat that sheep ticks pose to livestock and upland bird populations through the diseases they spread. We should not ignore the link to the human disease, Lyme disease. Also, sheep ticks are closely associated with dense stands of bracken as they benefit from the deep litter.

The three articles can be viewed here:
Why worry about sheep ticks?
Climate change could make ticks more of a threat
Ticks are proving a persistent problem on a Lancashire farm Malcolm Handley is a member of the Trust.

My thanks go to Neil Ryder, who is now a freelance journalist. He attended the Abbeystead meeting and these articles followed.

Time to prey on predators

2011-11-04T11:04:00.002Z

See the article by Robin Page in this morning's Telegraph.

"We must cull the killing machines now if we are to preserve the balance of nature in this country."

CAP reform - A Highland Council view

2011-10-27T09:21:00.000+01:00

See the article by James Miller (in the John O'Groats Journal) on the discussions that took place in the Land, Environment & Sustainability Strategy Group of the Highland Council. This comments on the proposed introduction of Vulnerable Areas.

Asulam - Formation of a Bracken Control Group

2011-10-25T08:58:00.000+01:00

As part of the response to the ban on Asulam, it has been decided to set up a Bracken Control Group and I have been asked to coordinate the activities of the Group.

This has been in the offing for some time and I think it is a very logical step, and will serve to coordinate all interests in bracken and its control.

There is much to be done to develop an appropriate response to the ban on Asulam and to seek to ensure that bracken control programmes that are relying on this product can continue in some form.

A quick update to the bracken control website has been carried and more work will follow to allow this resource to be used by the Group. A newsletter has been circulated to people I have been in touch with about Asulam already. This can be downloaded from the website and there is a Sign Up option for anyone who would like to receive future copies direct.

CAP Reform 2013 Update

2011-10-24T14:50:00.002+01:00

For those wanting a short cut to a summary of the proposed reforms, I can recommend the Smiths Gore update .

Scotland: Planned Revival of Hill Research Farms

2011-10-20T06:12:00.000+01:00

See the Farmer's Weekly article about the planned revival of the SAC hill research farms at Crianlarich

Supporting Sporting Interests

2011-10-18T23:09:00.001+01:00

I would like to draw your attention to the article on p32 in the Autumn Edition of SNH's in house magazine The Nature of Scotland. The article goes under a title of Supporting Sporting Interests and comes out strongly in support of the wider benefits offered by sporting management.

The article acknowledges that "conservation, hunting and fishing interests have many of the same goals" and "at the heart of a strong country sports industry lies a healthy wildlife resource". These are welcome comments indeed and I doubt that any supporters of the Trust will disagree with these sentiments. Well done SNH!

The Abbeystead Meeting - 27 September 2011

2011-10-07T16:23:00.000+01:00

A Summary of the presentations and the discussion that took place at this meeting can be found on the News Page of the website. The Summary covers the highlights of the presentations from the Abbeystead Estate and Natural England and the message I gave on behalf of the Trust.

This summary is not intended to reflect every part of the presentations or the discussion, and I would welcome any comments, form those who ere there, or others on related matters. Please feel free to use the comment function on this Blog - do not be shy!

My thanks go to the speakers and all who attended.

Asulam - Moorland Forum's Letter to The Scotsman

2011-10-07T14:42:00.000+01:00

The Scotsman has published a letter about Asulam, under the 'interesting' title of 'Moor the Merrier', sent by Scotland's Moorland Forum to the Editor.

The published letter can be seen here and the original letter can be viewed on the Forum's website.

Asulam - The Farmer's Guardian View

2011-10-06T12:45:00.001+01:00

See the online article by Ben Briggs, published today.

GWCT - Grouse management training course

2011-10-06T12:34:00.001+01:00

The Grouse Keeper’s Course will take place 4-6 November 2011 on managed grouse moors in Glen Esk, Angus. The itinerary taps into the unique knowledge of well-respected grouse keepers and that of GWCT advisory and research staff to provide a solid understanding of these game birds and their needs.

Key topics will include: Heather burning, Tick and louping ill control, Grit and direct dosing, Strongyle worm counting, Heather beetle, Grazing management, Bracken control, Black grouse habitats, Latest developments (including legal) in hill predator control techniques, New methods of counting red grouse and shoot planning

The hands-on course will also explore the wider conservation benefits from managing these species.

The cost of the course is £362 per person, excluding VAT and accommodation. Good accommodation is available nearby.

For more information see the Flyer and to book a place, contact Lynda Ferguson, tel: 01425 651013; email: lferguson@gwct.org.uk.

Asulam - Supply update from UPL

2011-10-05T15:43:00.000+01:00

United Phosphorus Ltd has provided an update about Asulam that confirms the supply situation. This confirms the advice for all landowners & managers, who want to apply Asulam next year, to contact a helicopter company or their Asulam distributor by 31 October 2011.

UPL also makes it clear that orders should be limited to the amount of Asulam required for next year's bracken control programme.

Asulam - Emergency Authorisations

2011-10-05T11:22:00.000+01:00

The Chemical Regulations Directorate has provided guidance on the use of Emergency Authorisations under the latest regulations. These will be essential to maintain the ability to apply Asulam during the period between the end of the use-up period on 31 December 2012 and the date that Asulam is re-registered for use. Re-registration will not take place until 2016, at the earliest.

A key development is the removal in the latest regulations of the need for the requirement for the Emergency Authorisation to have been 'unforeseen'.

The advice from CRD can be viewed in the letter sent to UPL, today.

Asulam - some good news

2011-09-30T08:13:00.001+01:00

There is a route that can be followed to make Asulam available into the future.

The meeting organised by United Phosphorus Ltd (UPL) took place in York, yesterday. In advance of a more detailed statement from UPL, I provide a snapshot of the outcomes of the meeting. Many uncertainties remain, and there is much detail still to be considered and clarified, but there is a good possibility that the use of Asulam can be retained in the long, medium and short terms.

Long Term

UPL will be reapplying for registration of Asulam in the EU. This is an investment of many £100,000s and is very much welcomed.
It may take 5 years from now to complete the registration process.

Medium Term

The new EU regulations appear to make it possible to obtain a series of Emergency Authorisations that provide an application window of 120 days in a year.
If application of Asulam is to continue without a break, Emergency Authorisations are likely to be required for 2013, 2014, 2015 and probably 2016, while the reapplication process takes place.

Short Term

Asulam will be available for 2012 under the use-up provisions.
The message is that as far as possible it will be business as usual.
During 2012, the contractors (helicopter and ground based companies) will be able to apply Asulam for landowners and managers, providing it was purchased before 31 December 2011.
The advice to landowners is to contact your contractor before 31 October 2011 to ensure your requirements can be met.

Other points

Under the regime discussed in the meeting there will be no justification for 'panic buying'.
UPL will be able to meet requests to purchase the normal annual consumption of Asulam before the end of 2011, so that it can be made available for 2012.
The contractors have a limited capacity and their activities are weather dependent. It is unlikely that they will be able to cope with a surge in demand, next year.
Defra and the Chemical Regulations Directorate of the Health & Safety Executive are the relevant agencies for the whole UK and they were represented at the meeting. Their help in the process to date was gratefully acknowledged and their continuing support was welcomed.
The establishment of a Bracken Control Group will be considered as a way to represent the bracken control industry and provide support for the re-registration process.

Reminder of Key dates

31 December 2011 - no sale, supply, transfer or promotion of products containing Asulam to take place after this date.
31 December 2012 - end of the use-up period. After this date it will be illegal to apply or store products containing Asulam in the EU.

Asulam - Statement from Defra

2011-09-28T15:47:00.000+01:00

I am attending a meeting organised by United Phosphorus Ltd., tomorrow and expect that this will provide some information about the future.

In the meantime, I am attaching a statement that has been issued by Defra. The most important point here is that Defra is prepared to consider Emergency Authorisations and they will be issuing guidance about this in due course. For the moment, no action is required by land owners and managers interested in using Asulam in the future.

Statement by Defra:

"The UK Government pushed hard for approval. Although there were some weaknesses in the data supplied by the applicant company, the UK considered that the correct decision within the EU rules would have been approval with confirmatory data requirements. We also highlighted the important role for asulam in the effective control of bracken in the UK and particularly in protecting habitats of high conservation value. Seven other countries supported us but this was not enough to win the day.

The result is that the final date for products containing asulam to be sold or supplied is 31 December 2011. A grace period of one year – ending 31 December 2012 – is then permitted for the storage and use of the product. Those wishing to use asulam next year will need to make sure that they have made the necessary arrangements to obtain a supply of the product on or before 31 December 2011.

Any questions on the exact operation of the grace periods for marketing and use of stocks can be addressed to the Communications Branch at the Chemicals Regulation Directorate of HSE: telephone 01904 455775, or by email to pesticides@hse.gsi.gov.uk.

The Government hopes that the company will submit a fresh application for EU approval of asulam, addressing the concerns raised by the European Food Safety Authority which persuaded the Commission that asulam should not be approved. However, it will not be possible for a new application to be made and processed in Europe before the end of 2012, as the whole process from receipt of application to approval will take several years

The Government has made it clear that it would be very prepared to consider applications for emergency authorisations to help bridge the gap between the expiry of the current approval and the eventual granting of a new one. Officials are actively considering how this can best be taken forward so that the process is as simple as possible. We will issue advice as soon as possible. In the meantime, there will be no need for any applications for emergency authorisation to come forward in the near future. Those interested in the continuing use of asulam need take no action at this point.

The Abbeystead Meeting - 27 September 2011

2011-09-28T12:45:00.002+01:00

The Trust's AGM took place at the Inn at Whitewell, on the south side of the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire yesterday. This was followed by a discussion meeting, The Abbeystead Meeting, which included a visit to the Abbeystead Estate. As the photo shows this event was blessed with perfect conditions and warm, September sunshine. I will be posting more information from the event soon, but in the meantime I would like to express my thanks to the people who made this event possible:

His Grace The Duke of Westminster for allowing us access to the Abbeystead Estate;
Neil Kilgour, the Resident Agent for Abbeystead and our host for the day and a speaker at the meeting;
Neil Clark who stepped in at very short notice to represent Natural England's views at the meeting; and
those who attended and contributed to the discussion during this event.

I remain convinced that meetings such as this are valuable, as they bring people from a range of backgrounds together. Discussions during these events can challenge perceived ideas, but in a productive non-combative way. It may not be possible to achieve complete consensus, but during discussion it is possible to establish what people and organisations really think as opposed to what they are prepared to say for public consumption. We need some consensus, as without any it is harder, or even impossible to make progress on the difficult issues of the day.

One person said to me yesterday, the HT approach is welcomed because it is conciliatory. It was an interesting and welcome comment and one that I am very happy to accept. The approach is all about bringing people together rather than driving a divisive wedge between people and organisations who may have different views. As a result of the cross-sector work we carry out, the Trust is, perhaps uniquely, able to promote this approach.

Asulam - Statement from United Phosphorus

2011-09-23T07:07:00.002+01:00

The Chief Operating Officer for United Phosphorus Ltd (UPL) in Europe has issued a statement confirming the company's continuing support for Asulam. He confirms that the company will "proactively seek a derogation for emergency use" and that they are "generating the relevant data set needed to support an application for EU approval, as well as an approval in each Membe State so that we can continue to supply the product in the future." The full text of the statement can be downloaded here.

This is welcome news. I am attending a meeting with UPL next Thursday, and will provide further updates as the plot unfolds.

Asulam - Reporting Scotland

2011-09-21T22:56:00.000+01:00

The Asulam issue was covered on BBC Reporting Scotland this evening, with a few seconds of input from yours truly (don't blink!) Follow this link and move to minute 14:00 for the 2:15 minutes of coverage.

More on the Asulam Ban

2011-09-21T10:01:00.001+01:00

The Scotsman has published a follow up article to the one published on Saturday highlighting the potential impact of the ban of Asulam.

The Herald has published an article in Scotland with some high level quotes, using a certain amount of artistic license, bemoaning the decision to ban Asulam.

I am attempting to establish what the views of the main players are in the next few days. I suspect it will be better to avoid knee-jerk reactions and develop a measured strategy to tackle this issue effectively with the support of the bracken control industry. Consideration must be given to the industry working together so that we speak with one voice, rather than acting as a multi-headed beastie that would lead to mixed messages and confusion.

Inevitably, more information will follow.

Moorland Video Clips

2011-09-21T08:50:00.000+01:00

If you are looking for a bit of light relief and some background information about moorland management, have a look at the video clips on the Moorland section of the BBC Nature website. There is some high-quality footage here.

Wildfire 2011 Conference

2011-09-20T22:36:00.001+01:00

This conference was held in Buxton, 14-15 September 2011. I was pleased to be invited to give a presentation at the conference on the subject of “Preparing for Wildfire in the UK".

This presentation can be viewed here and drew on the experience I gained from attending the International Wildfire Conference in South Africa in May 2011.

One of the key messages I came back from South Africa with was that we need to plan for wildfire now, and not treat a wildfire event as exceptional. With climate change producing warmer, hotter summers, the wildfires of early May 2011, just as I left for South Africa, are likely to become more frequent.

As part of preparing for wildfire, I believe we also need to be bolder about reducing fuel loading and this means more prescribed burning and cutting. Maybe we do not need to be so precious about protecting our heathland vegetation. If we do not manage it properly, it is likely that fire will do it for us and this could easily be at a time of year when great damage will be caused.

It is not if it burns, it is when.

I plan to write an article pulling some of these ideas together, based on the discussions that took place at both wildfire conferences, and also drawing together some of my own ideas. I will publish this on the Trust's website, in due course.

Asulam - the appeal fails

2011-09-20T16:32:00.000+01:00

The news from the appeal hearing is bad and the appeal has failed. This means that Asulam will be removed from the list of chemicals approved for use in the EU. It appears that there was not enough support from other Member States.

The expiry date for sale, supply and advertisement is 31 December 2011 and 31 December 2012 for storage and usage. The Commission has argued that Member States have the scope to issue “emergency authorisations" nationally to tide them over the period required to make a new submission. If this happens, it is likely to take at least 4 years before a decision granting approval is taken in the EU. Emergency authorisations would be the only option available for authorised use within this period.

I have not got my head round the options at this stage, and I will post more information as it becomes available. In practical terms, it would appear that bracken control using Asulam will be possible next season (2012), but any extension beyond that will depend on emergency authorisation.

I fall back on the maxim that “where there is a will, there is a way". I believe that the support for Asulam is considerable and therefore we must find the way so that it continues to be available.

Statement in Support of Asulam

2011-09-16T15:03:00.004+01:00

An Appeal Committee meets on Tuesday, 20 September to review the registration of Asulam. This will determine whether it will continue to be approved for use, and from my perspective this means whether it is available as a selective herbicide for the control of bracken. It is a vital tool for bracken control; as well as being the only selective herbicide it is the only one that can be applied from the air.

To help Asulam's chances, I have been 'knocking on doors' this week to get support for a Statement highlighting the crucial role that Asulam plays in maintaining the conservation status of vast areas of the uplands and lowlands of the UK. I have not forgotten the negative impact on, for example, the economics of sporting and agriculture or the human health risks associated with sheep ticks and Lyme disease, but if the Statement was to have any impact it needed to have a single message. The conservation message has the widest appeal.

The Statement can be downloaded here.

Meeting at Abbeystead - 27 September 2011

2011-09-14T22:49:00.001+01:00

Following on from the AGM, the Trust has organised a discussion meeting to consider the management issues facing an upland estate, and this will include a site visit to part of the Abbeystead Estate. The meeting will be held at the Inn at Whitewell, near Clitheroe. More details here.

Although members will get priority, there are some places available at this meeting. Please contact the Trust if this of interest.

Scotland's Moorland Forum - Upland Solutions

2011-08-24T15:40:00.002+01:00

In my capacity as Secretary and now Director of Scotland's Moorland Forum, I provided a lot of the input to this project, from development of the concept to delivery of the final report. It has been a lot of work, and much of this has been carried out over and above the work that has been funded through the Forum. Therefore, I have to say that it is a valuable piece of work that has drawn some interesting conclusions. I am not going to repeat the description of the project and the conclusions in this blog, but I recommend that anyone with an interest in the management of the uplands should at least take a look at the short Summary Report and have a read of the article published in the Press & Journal, yesterday, that provides a good overview. If this information whets the appetite, there is plenty more reading material available!

For the reports, press releases and press articles, see the website.

Discussions will soon be taking place about how to apply the lessons learned and the conclusions drawn. The concept of a task force is appealing as a way for the Forum to provide practical benefit over and above the exchange of information in meeting rooms, but we would need to find a way to fund this.

The Importance of Peatlands

2011-08-24T15:11:00.000+01:00

Building on a briefing I prepared for Scotland's Moorland Forum, I wrote an article for Scotland's 2020 Climate Group that has been published on the group's website.

The Annual Report 2011

2011-08-13T12:49:00.001+01:00

The Heather Trust's Annual Report was published yesterday, 11 August 2011, and circulated to all members of the Trust and some selected supporters. In addition, Members receive a Supplement that provides additional information such as notification of the AGM and an extract from last years accounts.

As well as information about the work of the Trust, the Report contains 13 articles by guest authors covering a wide range of issues that relate to the work of the Trust. With the author's permission,some of these articles will be made available on the Trust's website later in the year. However, if you want to be at the cutting edge of opinion, a £40 subscription to the Trust will allow you to get this year's Report earlier and future copies as the Report is published.

See the Trust's website for the Contents List and details of how to join the Trust.

Spot the Heather Beetle Damage

2011-08-11T13:21:00.002+01:00

Have you seen heather that looks like this? If so you have probably been looking at heather that has been damaged by a heather beetle attack. This can affect heather at different scales, from parts of plants to whole landscapes, and the foxy-red colour is the result of an attack by the beetle larvae this year. Heather that was damaged or killed in previous years looks grey and is often inter-mingled with this year's damage.

If you would like to know more about this pest of heather, look no further than the Trust's website.

More on Upland Tracks

2011-08-11T12:31:00.002+01:00

Tim Baynes has entered the debate and provides this view from Scottish Land & Estates:

The maintenance and upgrading of hill tracks is an important matter for upland management and deserves to be considered carefully. Scottish Land & Estates have been working on this issue for many years, providing a briefing for MSPs in last year's Parliamentary debate and their response to the recent Permitted Development Rights consultation can be read in full here.

New road construction will always look unsightly for a year or two after it is done but if carried out according to SNH's Code of Practice, can heal over remarkably quickly. Given the importance of these tracks for employee safety, wildlife management, public access, environmental protection and not
least, bird monitoring by RSPB staff, the presumption is that maintenance and upgrading to best practice standards should be facilitated, not unduly restricted, under Permitted Development Rights in all but the most sensitive of areas. Best practice is the key and an excellent set of guidelines have
been agreed by SNH working with the industry and can be found here.

In praise of grouse shooting

2011-08-09T10:03:00.002+01:00

See the article published by the Yorkshire Post, yesterday, which has video footage from Spaunton Moor in North Yorkshire and interviews with the headkeeper, George Thompson, and the grouse counter, Steve Smith.

Upland Tracks

2011-08-06T12:35:00.000+01:00

On his Twitter account, Stuart Housden has expressed concern about the number of tracks in heather ground in view from the A9 and suggested that controls are required (see @StuartHousden). However, is there a counter argument that, like cranes in towns, tracks are a sign of activity and investment that will provide some management input that will benefit all upland birds?

I would agree with him completely that badly constructed tracks are a disaster, and I would also support the view that tracks are not needed or desirable everywhere, but I would shy away from there being a presumption that all upland tracks are bad. I think we could agree that good quality, balanced management input to heather ground is beneficial, and I would suggest that facilitating this by the creation of well constructed tracks should not be opposed as a matter of course. In addition to sporting activities, tracks also allow access for recreation, surveying, monitoring, farming and wildfire management.

Natural England on Blanket Bog

2011-08-04T09:06:00.000+01:00

Blanket Bog has been identified by NE as their habitat of the month. See their website for details about this important habitat.

Recognition of the importance of this habitat as a store of carbon and for capturing carbon from the atmosphere is increasing. We are involved in the discussions that are taking place about how this interest can be developed into a source of income to landowners & managers.

High ground, high potential : a future for England’s upland communities – Next Steps

2011-08-04T08:41:00.004+01:00

Update from the Commission for Rural Communities (see the CRC August Newsletter):

"The aim of our Inquiry into the uplands was ‘to identify and evaluate the drivers of change in upland communities, and to develop policy recommendations to enable and equip them to move towards more secure, economically prosperous and sustainable futures’. The full report of this work can be found here, with a short summary here.

A number of our Commissioners are working with various partners to assess the Government’s response to our recommendations, and are maintaining regular dialogue with Defra’s Rural Communities Policy Unit to ensure our recommendations are progressed."

See the earlier Blog post (6 July 2010) that announced the launch of this important report. It only covers England but I think there are many lessons for the other parts of the UK within it.

Scotland: Out of Season Muirburn

2011-08-02T16:19:00.000+01:00

The licensing scheme for out of season muirburn was introduced by the Wildlife & Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011. The details of how to apply and the application form are now available on the SNH website.

The purposes for which an application may be made are defined by the legislation:

conserving, restoring, enhancing or managing the natural environment;
research; or
public safety

This is a useful step forward. Further guidance about the other muirburn provisions introduced by the Act will be produced by the Scottish Government, before the start of the muirburn season on 1 October - the Muirburn Group of Scotland's Moorland Forum will be advising on this.

Phytophthora diseases

2011-08-02T13:31:00.001+01:00

I continue to be concerned about the spread of Phytophthora - see the earlier Posts on this Blog. It has been found in various parts of Scotland (e.g. Argyll), but at present it does seem to be confined to the wetter, western side of the country.

It has been shown to affect bilberry (win berry in Wales, blueberry in Scotland), and also heather, but not on a large scale. However, this does not mean that this will not happen.

The Fera website is about the best source of information. The website includes a link to some research about the susceptibility of heathland species. Table 6 shows that of the three heathers, Ling Calluna vulgaris is the only one rated as slightly susceptible to phytophthora, but Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus is highly susceptible.

It is very much a case of watching and waiting and hoping that the phytophthoras do not get a hold of heather.

Heather & Grazing

2011-08-02T13:22:00.002+01:00

Dealing with questions about the interaction between heather & grazing is an issue that keeps me busy. So often the balance is all wrong, with the level of grazing not matched to the amount of dry matter available.

Reliance on grazing in old heather is dangerous - the impact of grazing on an ageing heather resource is often too apparent. The old heather has few stems / unit area and limited growth, and as a result, an increasing percentage of the annual increment is removed. This causes the heather to die back and open space appears between the plants. Young seedlings attempt to grow in the gaps but their high palatability is fatal. The end result is that the heather becomes completely threadbare, and eventually dies out with or without a sniff of heather beetle, leaving the way open for different vegetation.

The farmers will argue that the stocking rate is much less than it used to be so it is not their problem. This is correct to an extent but it misses the point that carrying capacity is linked to food production and sick heather has little production potential.

Burning properly, following best practice guidance, to introduce vigorous, high density areas of young heather is needed to reverse this trend. This would produce more grazing dry matter, a greater species diversity to satisfy conservation interests, better sporting potential, and secure heather in the landscape. It is difficult to see a downside but this approach is being resisted by the conservation agencies in many parts of the UK.

Am I missing something?

Heather on Langholm Moor, Dumfries-shire

2011-07-09T22:40:00.000+01:00

I visit Langholm Moor in Dumfries-shire, lastweek. This moor is part of the BuccleuchEstates and the focus for a 10 year, large-scale, demonstration project. See the project’s website for moredetails. However, the main reason forthe visit was to inspect the plots that have been prepared as part of a heatherrestoration trial after an attack by heather beetle. This work is separate from the demonstrationproject, it is being supervised by the Trust’s President , Prof Rob Marrs, andfunded by Scottish Natural Heritage.

Since I was last a Langholm, some changeshave taken place. In the wake of twolarge-scale heather beetle attacks in consecutive years, the heather needed tobe given a break from grazing. Stockremoval was agreed with the estate’s tenants, last year and this year, a longlength of fence has been constructed to control the movement of stock andmaintain the exclusion area. Such fencesare ugly, intrusive and expensive, but they are also very effective.

I was struck by the response of theheather. It was growing strongly withinthe stock exclusion area and with the prospect of another winter withoutgrazing, when the stock tend to remove all the growth achieved in the summer, Iwould expect the condition of the heather to improve markedly. Heather was regenerating on the many areasafter muirburn and the areas that had been cut were also showing heather. On its own the improving condition of theheather may not answer the challenge faced by the estate and the project staffto restore grouse numbers, but a good stock of heather is an essentialingredient.

Asulam - a further update

2011-07-08T12:54:00.001+01:00

The National Farmers Union have been taking a very welcome and positive stance over the threat to the future registration of Asulam. For anyone wanting to know the ins and outs of the situation, I recommend the summary that NFU has produced that is available to download. The future remains far from certain.

Back to the Future: State of the Voluntary Carbon Markets 2011

2011-06-27T15:58:00.001+01:00

This report primarily relates to the US market but the UK should note the volume of the transactions traded in 2010 - 131 MtCO2e (or mega-tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent). This is way ahead of anything happening elsewhere and is something we must take note of. Links to the publications are available from the website

The report quotes that 'the future was in the forests' but this is to miss the point that in terms of carbon storage peatland is a much better, longer-lived store. The public awareness of forestry as the answer to the carbon sequestration and storage problem is a credit to the forest industry, but I believe that the industry's pre-eminent position could look very shaky if the argument for peat is put properly.

The short Executive Summary of the main report comments on the emergence of registries as a way to provide credibility to voluntary agreements and also reports on an apparent shift away from the compliance market in favour of the voluntary market. Is this a view of the future that we ought to be gearing up for in UK?

Wildfire 2011 Conference, Buxton, 14-15 September 2011

2011-06-27T11:02:00.000+01:00

Bookings are being taken for this event. See the website.

After the busy 'wildfire season' this spring, we need to raise the profile of wildfire issues. Attendance at this conference would give you an understanding of many technical issues and a knowledge of what is being done to promote the threat posed by wildfire.

Asulam - the latest

2011-06-24T13:23:00.000+01:00

This is the update provided by the Chemicals Regulation Directorate, yesterday:

'Due to legal procedural technicalities, there will be a repeat of the vote on asulam at the Standing Committee’s meeting on 14-15 July. This is required because the earlier vote in May was taken under Council Directive 91/414/EEC and was not implemented before Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 came into force on 14 June. Therefore, the vote needs to be taken again under the new Regulation. This is just a technical matter and will not change the previous outcome. It does however, mean that the Appeal Committee will not convene until the autumn as the Commission more or less shuts down over the summer.'

In summary, a further stay of execution, but it serves to extend the period of uncertainty. Defra believes that the best chance of getting any change of course is at the Appeals Committee, when political issues stand a better chance of success against the pure technical arguments.

By the way, I am first in the queue for a job with the EU, so that I can also 'more or less shutdown over the summer' - assuming we get one this year. To quote Flanders & Swann, 'I missed it last year, I was in the bath'!

Scotland: Fighting the Silent Tide of Bracken on Mull

2011-06-16T16:41:00.000+01:00

Picture: Scottish Farmer

See the article in The Scottish Farmer for a view of the threat that bracken poses on Mull. This serves to emphasise the importance of keeping the ability to apply Asulam by helicopter, the most effective control method in remote areas. See the previous post on this subject.

Beltie Power?

2011-06-16T16:20:00.000+01:00

Is substituting carbon footprints for carbon hoofprints the way forward, at the same time as making better use of our grazing livestock. See The Scottish Farmer's Royal Highland Show edition for more.

National Ecosystems Assessment

2011-06-16T10:42:00.000+01:00

While many people may see this as a 'big yawn' it should not be ignored. To quote from the Foreword:
"The UK National Ecosystem Assessment (UK NEA) provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the natural environment in the UK and a new way of estimating our national wealth. It shows how we have under-valued our natural resources. Valuing them properly will enable better decision making, more certain investment, new avenues to wealth creation and jobs, and greater human well-being in changing times ahead."

If you are looking for a gentle introduction to the findings of this work that has just been published I recommend Alan Spedding's Briefing that is part of his excellent RuSource series. If this whets your appetite for more, the briefing contains a link to the Synthesis of Key Findings that has been published as part of the output from the assessment project.

Should conservation schemes pay for action or results?

2011-06-16T10:06:00.001+01:00

See the article in Conservation Magazine that discusses a recent article published by a team from Bangor University and Imperial College London. Is the balance between payments for action or payments for results all in the cost of monitoring?

In support of balanced upland management

2011-06-15T17:11:00.000+01:00

See the article in yesterday's Darlington & Stockton Times quoting Ken Lumley, the north-east regional chairman of the Tenant Farmer's Association.

There is not much to disagree with here. Balanced upland management is a key message for the Trust, or put another way, we like to be seen to be 'promoting integrated moorland management'.

Curbing black carbon would bring dramatic, quick benefits to all

2011-06-14T17:59:00.000+01:00

Photograph: Sang Tan/AP

See the article from The Guardian explaining this. This might offer a route to a quick win and reduce the amount of climate change emissions that are driving 'global warming'.

PDG Helicopters fighting moorland fires May 2011

2011-06-14T17:41:00.000+01:00

Especially for addicts of 'Apocalypse Now', here is the PDG helicopters version.

It gives a good impression of the work rate of a helicopter when there is a source of open water nearby.

Scottish Land & Estates

2011-06-14T10:58:00.000+01:00

Welcome to Scottish Land & Estates that has been spawned from the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA) and the Scottish Estates Business Group (SEBG). For details of the new organisation see yesterday's press release. There are two articles in the press today that give a view on the challenges facing the new organisation:

More than just a new name..., Andrew Arbuckle in The Scotsman

SRPBA: Landowners' 'new voice' has a lot of catching up to do, Alan Cochrane in The Telegraph.

Looking to the Hills - JNCC Publication

2011-06-06T12:03:00.000+01:00

The latest and last edition of this publication can be downloaded from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee's website. There are a many good articles and reports but in particular I recommend:

EU review of LFA (by HT Board member Ian Condliffe) (p3) which summarises the EU-speak that surrounds the move from Less Favoured Areas to Areas with natural Handicap.
Crowberry dieback in Moorlands (p7) - can anyone help Penny Anderson with the search for more information. If so, please contact Penny, but let me know as well.
Culling of Mountain Hares to Control Ticks (p27). Culling hares does not necessarily lead to greater production of red grouse.

Looking to the Hills has been produced by Des Thompson and Sally Johnson at SNH for JNCC, but the Welcome explains that this publication has been sacrificed at the altar of funding and will no longer be produced.

Wildfire on the BBC

2011-06-02T22:34:00.000+01:00

See the Moorland Forum's Blog for details of the coverage

planned by the BBC for tomorrow (Friday, 3 June 2011)

2020 Vision

2011-05-24T16:22:00.002+01:00

For those not aware of this project I recommend a wander around the website. There is a lot going on.

From the website you will gather that:

2020 Vision is a multimedia project that communicates the link between people's well being and the restoration of natural systems.
Putting it another way, we're the PR agents for Bogs, Bees and Barn owls!
2020 Vision is not a conservation project; it's about communication...and collaboration.

You will also see some stunning photography.

Country Market & Sporting Sale

2011-05-24T15:42:00.001+01:00

The Sale season is drawing to a close. Thanks again to all our supporters: the donors of Lots and cash, the Bidders, the advertisers and the catalogue promoters. A large team of people combine to make the Sale a success.

We have now removed details of the unsold Lots from the website, but some items may still be available in the Stop & Shop section of the website.

As the dust settles, Clara will be shifting her focus to the 2012 Sale. We will be contacting many of you individually to give you a bit more detail about this year's Sale, and would welcome offers of assistance, in any form, with next year's Sale.

We will be reviewing how the Sale worked this year and looking for ways that we can improve the organisation. Several times in the past, we have considered shifting to an on-line system but have resisted this largely due to the cost and the difficulty of combining an on-line auction with the circulation of information about the Trust in the catalogue. We will be looking at this again in the next few weeks, and would welcome any comments.

Scotland: Code of practice on deer management - Consultation

2011-05-24T15:29:00.000+01:00

A consultation on the draft Code has been launched and responses have been requested by 1 July 2011. Public meetings are being held in Inverness, Perth & Moffat. More details are available from the SNH Website.

Fair Game: Scotland's Sporting Estates

2011-05-16T22:50:00.000+01:00

This TV programme was broadcast last week, and for anyone who missed it, like I did, it is currently available on the BBC iPlayer, but I am not sure how long for. It is worth a look.

The programme highlights the problem of the raptor-grouse conflict and although I believe it had some errors, both sides of the argument are presented. But it is not only the birds that lose out from this impasse; I think that the raptor grouse conflict is a blockage to investment in our uplands areas by both the private and the public sectors. In spite of this, with the exception of Prof Steve Redpath, a former Trust Board member, no-one was proposing any solutions.

The problems highlighted in this programme are deep-seated and have so far proved to be intractable. Sitting in silos hurling bricks across the divide is not going to provide a solution, and I doubt that increasing the screw of legislation will solve the problem. We need to find compromise and bright ideas are welcome. I suggest that Steve Redpath needs more support.

International Wildland Fire Conference 2011

2011-05-10T22:42:00.001+01:00

Wildland Fire Conference

I am delighted to be in Sun City, South Africa attending this conference. It is hard work, but in delightful surroundings. Today was the first full day of the conference and the highlight of the opening ceremony was the enthusiasm, pride and singing of the ~1000 young firefighters who are involved in the Working on Fire programme. There are an interesting range of presentations tomorrow, but Thursday will be spent in the nearby Pilansberg National Park seeing a practical demonstration of the South African way of prescribed burning and fire control. It promises to be impressive.

'Working on Fire' project equipment

Pilansberg National Park

Asulam - the latest

2011-05-05T16:10:00.001+01:00

My understanding of the story so far: Asulam was due to be considered for re-registration on Annex 1 of the Sustainable Use Directive, which would allow us to continue using it for aerial application to control bracken. Concerns were raised about a possible food safety issue linked to Asulam's use on other plants (e.g. spinach, sugar cane). As a result, a recommendation was submitted to the EU's Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health for Asulam not be re-registered. The Committee met on 11 March but due to a blocking minority of members on the Committee a discussion was postponed until the next meeting which took place yesterday and today.

The result from the Standing Committee meeting is a ‘no opinion’ on the proposed non-inclusion. The blocking minority appears to have grown in size (with thanks to those who have been lobbying hard). The consequence is that this dossier becomes the first (apparently in the Commission) to be referred to the Appeal Committee, which must meet at least 14 days after notification by the Commission, and within six weeks. Apparently this is a new procedure and it is not clear how it works or who attends.

I would like to think that today's news makes light at the end of the tunnel glow a bit brighter for Asulam, but time will tell.

Cost of wildfires damage mounting

2011-05-05T09:02:00.000+01:00

See yesterday's STV report on the wildfire damage in Scotland.

West Highland landowners unite to fight devastating wild fires

2011-05-04T16:02:00.001+01:00

It is good to see the report from the John Muir Trust that organisations are working well together to control the fires in Coigach & Assynt.

Come on rain!

Country Market & Sporting Sale

2011-05-04T11:26:00.000+01:00

Bids for the fascinating range of Lots offered for this year's Sale are coming in thick and fast. See the website for more details.

You still have two days to make sure you do not miss the chance to bid; we are open to receive Bids by any means until 12 noon on Friday, 6 May.

Tel: 01387 723201 e-mail: info@heathertrust.co.uk

Wildfire burns swathes of Balmoral estate

2011-05-04T10:14:00.000+01:00

Willie Fraser,
National Trust for Scotland

See today's article in The Scotsman. This provides a useful summary of the current state of play.

It is early to start drawing any conclusions from this spate of fires, but here are some initial thoughts:

The excellent work of the Fire & Rescue Services (FRSs) is in support of the land managers from private and other estates, who are in the front line. They are working alongside the FRSs using to the full their local knowledge, fire management experience and specialist equipment to help control these fires.
The value of this mutual aid between the public and private sectors cannot be overstated. It is hoped that this will come out in the wash-up to these fires. We need more resources to develop fire groups across the whole of the UK to harness the abilities of land managers and their specialist equipment to work effectively alongside FRSs to tackle wildfires.
Helicopters are invaluable tools for fighting large-scale fires on difficult terrain but it should be emphasised that they are usually provided by landowners, not by the Fire & Rescue Services.
Many of the fires are being started by carelessness - have we done enough to raise public awareness of the risks?
Arsonists are a significant source of fire.
Very few fires appear to have started from out of control heather burning / muirburn.
Blame is often placed on smokers and discarded cigarettes. I am not a smoker but I always feel that when the cause of a fire is not known someone blames the smoker, forgetting that fire is a natural phenomenon.

Wildfires in Northern Ireland

2011-05-03T12:23:00.000+01:00

See the report from Northern Ireland - 376 incidents in 24 hours. Note the statement: "..it is only a matter of time before someone loses their life."

Is that what it will take to start treating the wildfire threat seriously?

More on Wildfires

2011-05-03T12:11:00.001+01:00

The post on 28 April has proved to be all too relevant. The Fire & Rescue Services have had a very busy Bank Holiday weekend indeed. A good source of information is the BBC website and the following two articles cover the latest situation:

Six People Airlifted from Torridon Wildfire
Crews continue battle with Highland Wildfires

The locations of the recent wildfires shown in the video report on the second link shows that the wildfire problem has been experienced across Northern England, Northern Ireland as well as Scotland.

These are serious incidents. It is not just the 'harmless' burning of heather. There is a real risk to property and people - note that evacuation in Scotland has been considered and people had to be airlifted to safety or rescued by lifeboat. In addition to the destruction of habitat that will adversely affect breeding birds at this time of year, there has been the economic loss associated with the destruction of recently planted woodland.

In these conditions, it is easy to get people to think about measures to reduce the risk of wildfire, but it is a shame that this enthusiasm appears to wane as soon as it rains. I believe we need to take the risk of wildfire more seriously. The indications are that climate change is going to produce hotter, drier summers that will serve to increase the risk of wildfires.

Against this background, it is very relevant that, with thanks to Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service for sponsoring my flight, I am attending the International Wildfire Conference in South Africa, next week. I would be pleased to hear from anyone about wildfire issues either before or after the conference. I will add key messages and a summary to this Blog during and after the conference.

In this country our wildfire threat is not as extreme as in other countries (see the recent photos from Texas) but we should not ignore the increasing risk.

Wildfire Risk is High

2011-04-28T17:45:00.000+01:00

There have been several wildfires in different parts of the country and the current dry weather is increasing the risk of damage day by day.

the amount of damage that wildfires can do comes as no surprise and the effort, and associated cost, required by the Fire & Rescue Services to put these fires out is enormous. For those who would like details of recent wildfires see the following links: West Yorkshire, the Highlands, and Inverness-shire.

I am sure that there have already been many more examples and I would like to be sent details. I fear that if this dry spell continues there will be plenty of work for the Fire & Rescue Services. To those out & about in the UK uplands, this weekend, I ask that they take care not to start fires.

Phytophthora Ramorum and Larch trees

2011-04-27T14:29:00.000+01:00

The Forestry Commission has published a very useful summary of the spread of P. ramorum into larch trees and the measures that are being taken to control this spread. It appears that the disease is targeting rhododendron and larch trees at present and that the report of its spread into sitka spruce has so far proved to be inconclusive.

The spread of the disease into heathland species has so far been restricted to a small area of blaeberry. Heather has been shown to be at risk in laboratory tests, but so far the disease has not been seen on heather in the wild. This remains the nightmare option.

Climate care – not this carbon klondike

2011-04-26T11:16:00.000+01:00

For an alternative view on the carbon : renewables : windfarm : landscape debate see the opinion piece by Dr Keith Dawson that has been published by Scottish Farmer.

The voices of the dissenters to the 'windfarm at any cost' approach demand to be heard.

Scotland: Manifesto Comparisons

2011-04-16T13:19:00.000+01:00

The Scottish Countryside Alliance has prepared a comparison between the manifestos of the main parties ahead of the election on 5 May and published it as part of their Heather Routes service.

This comparison has been reproduced for your information here.

The Heather Trust

Introduction

Kyoto Protocol and National Accounting for Peatlands

'Investing in Peatlands: Demonstrating Success' Symposium 2012

CAP post-2013 - What others are saying

England - Heather Burning Inquiry - More detail

England - Heather Burning Inquiry - Walshaw Moor Estate

Thinking CAP: Upland Research & Management

Thinking CAP: Upland Research & Management - 13 March 2012

Wales - Heather Burning Leaflet

Bleaklow gets more heather seed

50,000 year old peat moss

Scotland: High Nature Value farming and crofting

Scotland: The Woodland Expansion Advisory Group

More on the 2011 Grouse Season

The Grouse Season in Scotland

Statistical Digest of the English Uplands 2011

Valuing Nature Network

Heather Trust Annual Report Articles

Bracken Control - The Yorkshire Post

Peatland Management - letter to The Scotsman

Single Environment Organisation for Wales

Mar Lodge - Independent Review

The Rhododendron’s Road to Redemption

Formation of Irish Bogs

A Monthly Perspective

EC Pressure on Irish Bogs

FWAG in receivership

Visit to Northern Ireland for the NSA

Sustainable Uplands - Richard May

Sustainable Uplands Music Video

Phytophthora Lateralis

The Abbeystead Meeting

Tick Bites and Lyme disease

Sheep Ticks - Farmers Guardian

Time to prey on predators

See the article by Robin Page in this morning's Telegraph."We must cull the killing machines now if we are to preserve the balance of nature in this country."

CAP reform - A Highland Council view

Asulam - Formation of a Bracken Control Group

CAP Reform 2013 Update

Scotland: Planned Revival of Hill Research Farms

Supporting Sporting Interests

The Abbeystead Meeting - 27 September 2011

Asulam - Moorland Forum's Letter to The Scotsman

Asulam - The Farmer's Guardian View

GWCT - Grouse management training course

Asulam - Supply update from UPL

Asulam - Emergency Authorisations

Asulam - some good news

Asulam - Statement from Defra

The Abbeystead Meeting - 27 September 2011

Asulam - Statement from United Phosphorus

Asulam - Reporting Scotland

More on the Asulam Ban

Moorland Video Clips

Wildfire 2011 Conference

Asulam - the appeal fails

Statement in Support of Asulam

Meeting at Abbeystead - 27 September 2011

Scotland's Moorland Forum - Upland Solutions

The Importance of Peatlands

The Annual Report 2011

Spot the Heather Beetle Damage

More on Upland Tracks

In praise of grouse shooting

Upland Tracks

Natural England on Blanket Bog

High ground, high potential : a future for England’s upland communities – Next Steps

Update from the Commission for Rural Communities (see the CRC August Newsletter):

Scotland: Out of Season Muirburn

Phytophthora diseases

Heather & Grazing

Heather on Langholm Moor, Dumfries-shire

Asulam - a further update

Back to the Future: State of the Voluntary Carbon Markets 2011

Wildfire 2011 Conference, Buxton, 14-15 September 2011

Asulam - the latest

Scotland: Fighting the Silent Tide of Bracken on Mull

Beltie Power?

National Ecosystems Assessment

See the article by Robin Page in this morning's Telegraph.

"We must cull the killing machines now if we are to preserve the balance of nature in this country."