National Farmers Union of Scotland has called on the Scottish Government to delay the introduction of new muirburn licensing rules, warning that restrictions could hamper efforts to prevent wildfires.
The new licensing regime is due to come into force on September 15, but the farming organisation says more time is needed to consider its practical impact on vegetation management and wildfire prevention.
The call comes following a period of prolonged dry weather and increasingly serious wildfire incidents across Scotland, including the recent Cairngorms wildfire.
NFU Scotland says such incidents demonstrate the importance of managing vegetation and reducing the amount of combustible material across Scotland’s uplands.
Farmers, crofters, gamekeepers and other land managers have an important role in maintaining these landscapes, it argues, through measures including livestock grazing, cutting vegetation, maintaining firebreaks and responsible muirburn.
Debbie Playfair, chair of NFU Scotland’s Environment and Land Use Committee, 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.”
NFU Scotland said it had been working with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders since plans for a licensing system were announced, but argued that recent wildfires had strengthened the case for reconsidering its introduction.
Ms Playfair added: “Given the recent devastation of the fires, we do not believe now is the time to increase barriers to active prevention.”
The organisation is calling for a balanced approach to upland management which combines livestock grazing with other measures, including cutting and responsible muirburn, to manage vegetation while also delivering environmental benefits.
It also wants to see the Scottish Government develop a comprehensive Wildfire Resilience Strategy which formally recognises the role of active land management.
NFU Scotland says such a strategy should provide targeted support for upland livestock grazing, maintaining firebreaks, vegetation management, access routes and water points.
Alongside delaying the September introduction of muirburn licensing, the union wants future agricultural support schemes to recognise the public benefits provided by active upland management.
It is also calling for farmers, crofters, land managers and wildfire experts to be involved in developing future measures aimed at reducing wildfire risk across Scotland.
