MOORLAND MANAGERS have been asked not to undertake controlled burning of heather over the next few weeks, to help ensure there is no chance of any additional strain being put on public services during the COVID-19 outbreak.

This fortnight, right before the end of the main muirburn season up to April 15, is usually a very busy time for muirburn as it is often the only time when the heather is dry enough.

However, Scottish Land and Estates has warned that even after risk assessment shows conditions are safe for burning, there is still the small risk of a fire getting out of control and needing emergency services to be called out.

"This could divert resources from elsewhere and put others at risk," said SLE. "During this pandemic, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service potentially would not be available and so a wildfire may not be controlled, or an ambulance or hospital bed may not be available to treat anyone injured."

Director of Moorland at SLE, Tim Baynes, continued: “We are urging land managers not to undertake any more muirburn for the rest of this season. Even though the risk of the fire getting out of control is very small, we want to be absolutely 100% certain that there is no additional call on the fire or ambulance service and the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The moorland management sector has a strong record of skill and safety when doing muirburn, and estates often make an important contribution to public safety by supporting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service as first responders to wildfires," he added.

“Muirburn is a strictly regulated and essential tool to manage moorland and has many benefits including enhancing biodiversity and conservation. Putting back a muirburn programme will have consequences, so I urge land managers to keep a record of muirburn foregone because of the current situation, and any impact that has on wildlife and biodiversity.”