Moorland burning to enhance grouse shooting is a hugely contentious issue with local and national environmental groups highlighting the issues from destroying carbon stores, reducing the ability of moorlands to hold water and thereby increase run off and flooding and damaging biodiversity. It is interesting these two water companies have chosen the coronavirus as the reason why they have asked their tenants to stop this practice. An interesting precedent. Bob Earll
Yorkshire Water ‘Yorkshire Water and United Utilities have asked their tenants and land managers to halt controlled burning on their land until further notice. Both water companies are significant landowners within their areas of operation, including owning moorland which is used to gather water for drinking water supplies and to help reduce the risk of flooding.
The instruction to cease any form of burning comes following requests from emergency services and local councils that landowners cease moorland burning. There are concerns that controlled burning increases the risk of unintentional wildfires, and that fumes from any form of fire may affect members of the public suffering from COVID-19.
Both Yorkshire Water and United Utilities are committed to ensuring that the emergency services staff dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic can focus on that work, rather than facing additional challenges that burning may bring. Both companies are asking that members of the public who intend to exercise in moorland areas in accordance with government guidance are aware that their actions can cause wildfires, and that they should behave responsibly to ensure that wildfires are avoided.
Richard Emmott, Director of Corporate Affairs said: “At this time of uncertainty all areas of society have a responsibility to ensure that our emergency services can focus on the key national priority, which is helping people affected by COVID-19 and halting its spread. We have therefore taken the decision to ask our tenants to cease burning until further notice.”
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