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Fight fire with fire, SAC tells Skye crofters
Alistair Hamiton (left) and volunteers at the muirburn demo (opens in new window)
A decline in the practice of muirburn in the North-west Highlands could increase the risk of severe wildfires resulting in the possible loss of nesting grounds to the release of harmful carbon into the atmosphere.
Speaking in Skye, at a recent SAC muirburn information event, SAC’s Dr Alistair Hamilton told crofters that the lack of controlled burning in appropriate areas can cause a build up of plant material which, if it catches fire, can easily burn out of control. The fires can be severe and inhibit subsequent plant re-growth with the loss of moorland species.
If the peat below the vegetation burns, it can release huge amounts of carbon. It is estimated that carbon stored in organic soils in Scotland - especially peat - is equivalent to more than 180 years of greenhouse gas emissions at current emission rates.
During a practical muirburn demonstration Dr Hamilton said: “Well managed muirburn, when done with due regard to environmental impacts and in line with the regulations, can be a very positive management tool. It promotes new growth and conserves the species we associate with our moorland habitats.
“However fewer crofters are muirburning than in the past so in some areas there is build-up of old vegetation. In those circumstances summer wildfires can have severe impacts including reducing habitats for wildlife and burning into the peat.”
The event covered topics including moorland ecology, the benefit of muirburn to sheep, the principles of fire and muirburn planning, practice and regulation. Dr Hamilton stressed that both fire and grazing are important tools in habitat management. In some areas, ceasing burning and lowering grazing levels may be the most appropriate course of action, for example to promote woodland regeneration.
The Scottish Government-funded muirburn event took place at Struan, facilitated by Janette Sutherland of SAC Portree. The next event will take place at The Royal Hotel, Ardrishaig on Tuesday 7th December at 11.00 am.