A government policy on moorland management is under fire amid claims it could increase the risk of wildfires.
The Countryside Alliance has accused ministers of ignoring evidence on rotational cool burning, a land-management practice that involves controlled, low-intensity fires to remove surface vegetation before it becomes fuel for larger blazes.
The criticism comes during the UK’s fourth heatwave of the year, with more than 200 wildfires recorded in the past two weeks.
Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: "The government ignored the rigorous science and evidence that showed the extension to the burning ban would be hugely detrimental.
"The current record number of wildfires are devastating the environment, releasing millions of tons of carbon and costing hundreds of millions of pounds.
"This is the consequence of ignoring science."
A recent blaze in the Cairngorms burnt more than 600 hectares of ancient woodland and heather moorland.
Campaigners have questioned government moves to widen restrictions on burning heather and grassland on deep peat.
Changes introduced last October expanded the ban from around 220,000 hectares to more than 670,000 hectares.
The Countryside Alliance argues that without regular management, ageing vegetation builds up, worsening the intensity of wildfires during prolonged heat.
Ministers insist the restrictions are necessary to protect peat and sensitive habitats, but the wider environmental impact of burning remains contested.
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has raised questions about the scientific basis for the decision.
Mr Bonner said the risks are too great to ignore.
He said: "If the government is serious about tackling catastrophic wildfires, it is vital that they put robust scientific evidence first; and that evidence supports the use of rotational cool burning, as the Countryside Alliance have pointed out repeatedly.
"The government is playing with fire, instead of putting landscapes, nature, and livelihoods first."
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