New restrictions on moorland burning are increasing the risk of wildfires in Nidderdale, according to Ripon and Skipton MP Sir Julian Smith.

The Conservative MP told Cabinet Office minister Louise Haigh moorland owners are “really worried” about the impact of the changes.

Controlled moorland burning, which supporters say regenerates plant shoots and improves land management, is a feature of rural life in areas around Pateley Bridge and Masham.

But the government has imposed restrictions. Last year it required land managers to obtain a licence from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to carry out controlled burns of heather, bracken, gorse, bilberry and similar vegetation where peat is deeper than 30cm.

In another development, the public body Natural England now also has to give consent to burning on land that is designated a site of special scientific interest.

In a parliamentary debate on Wednesday (September 2), Sir Julian said urged Ms Haigh to talk to Defra about the impact of “putting further constraints on moorland owners”. 

He added:

“Moorland owners have traditionally undertaken controlled burning, and they are really worried at the moment that this change in Defra policy will make moorland areas such as the one I represent more vulnerable to wildfires in the future.”

Ms Haigh, a close ally to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, said she was grateful to Sir Julian “for his characteristically constructive and thoughtful contribution”.

She added:

“I will, of course, raise that with Defra and look into the specific issue on his behalf.”