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The Muirburn Code
Guidance Card

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Guidance for the controlled burning of heather, grass and other moorland, in Scotlandand other moorland, in Scotland

Introduction

This card provides a summary of essential information in support of The Muirburn Code. The Code applies to all moorland managers and includes farmers, crofters, shepherds and gamekeepers. The Code forms part of the compliance requirements for Single Farm Payments.

Points to remember:

• Notify neighbours at least 24 hours beforehand.

• Notify the fire brigade before burning and on completion, each day.

• Erect warning signs if the fires will be close to areas heavily used by the public.

• Assess the weather conditions: are they suitable for burning? The wind speed should not be too strong - normally not above Force 3 (8-12 mph).

• Decide where you will burn in the expected weather conditions. If conditions change, re-assess.

• You should not burn on your own. Carefully brief sufficient people (normally teams of 3) to carry out the planned burning programme.

• At least one person in each team should know the area well.

• No more than two fires should be lit at any one time.

• Health and safety requirements must be met. Stout boots, fire-retardant overalls and face visors (or goggles) should be worn.

• Communications should be available (e.g. mobile phone, radio); it is good practice to have extra people on call to assist if necessary.

• A supply of drinking water and a first aid kit should be available; the water is important to reduce the risk of heat stress.

• Avoid burning near nesting birds or sensitive habitats.

Legal Requirements

• By law, burning is only allowed between:

• Notice in writing must be given to the owners and occupiers of adjacent land, not less than 24 hours and not more than 7 days in advance of burning.

• Burning must not start between sunset and sunrise.

• Sufficient people and equipment must be available to control the fire.

• All reasonable precautions must be taken to prevent injury or damage.

• The smoke from the fire must not cause a nuisance.

• If the fire will be within a Site of Special Scientific Interest or other designated site, you must check whether consent for burning is required from Scottish Natural Heritage. Do not burn without such consent.

• An appropriate Health & Safety Risk Assessment must be carried out before burning.

Guidance

• Several plans should be made in advance covering the areas that can be burnt with the wind in different directions. This will aid preparations on the day.

• Before starting, light a small test fire to confirm that the conditions are suitable for controlled burning.

• Fires should be 30m wide and about 150-300m long (~0.5-1.0 ha in size). The size of fire may need to be increased in large areas of long, unburnt heather, especially if grazing livestock or deer are present.

• On heather or grass moors, a mosaic of burnt and unburnt areas should be produced.

• Make sure that there are adequate firebreaks in place to stop the fire; usually these should be 4-6m wide.

• Make maximum use of natural / existing firebreaks such as tracks, watercourses etc.

• Beware of using fires from previous years as firebreaks, unless they are clean.

• Prepare any cut firebreaks carefully. If cut within 24 hours of lighting fires they are more likely to stop a fire. If cut earlier the residue may burn and carry the fire.

• Burn with the wind towards a firebreak, preferably downhill. Burning against the wind, or 'back burning', can be used to create firebreaks.

• Control both flanks of the fire at a desired width, leaving the fire front to move with the wind. It can be useful to have one flank defined by a natural or a prepared firebreak.

• Make sure one person stays with the fire for at least 10 minutes after it has been put out, to deal with any flare-ups.

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