GODFREY MCROBERTS, SENIOR COUNTRYSIDE MANAGEMENT ADVISOR, DARD

The heather burning season ends on the 15 April 2008.

Heather burning is a very useful management tool for managing heather moorland. It encourages fresh new growth to sprout from existing heather plants, removes dead material and recycles nutrients. However, it is vital that it is carried out at the correct time of the year.

Under the Game Law Amendment Act (Northern Ireland) 1951 it is an offence to burn between 15 April and 31 August any gorse, furze, whin, heath, ling or fern growing on any mountain, moor, heath, bog or other uncultivated land.

Cross Compliance rules require burning to be completed within the legal burning period. Burning during the closed season has implications for farmers who claim the Single Farm Payment (SFP).

This 'closed season' is essential to protect moorland habitats, which are home to a wide range of wildlife. This includes mammals such as the Irish Hare and ground nesting birds such as red grouse, curlew and skylark. The closed season also prevents damage to sensitive vegetation often found only on peatland sites.

DARD offers payments for positive management of heather moorland as part of its Agri-Environment schemes, namely the Countryside Management Scheme and the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme.

Many hill farmers have already taken advantage of these schemes and to date over 50,000 hectares of heather moorland have been brought under agreement. It is anticipated that the new Northern Ireland Countryside Management Scheme will open for applications in late spring / early summer 2008.

For advice on heather management and Agri-Environment Schemes please contact your local DARD Countryside Management Branch staff.