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<p>The Government has always been clear of the need to phase out burning of protected
blanket bog to conserve these vulnerable habitats. We are currently looking at how
legislation could achieve this and considering next steps. Real progress is being
made in promoting sustainable alternatives. We have urged landowners to adopt these
and continue to work with them constructively.</p><p> </p><p>Burning on moorland may
be carried out between 1 October and 15 April. No data is collected on the number
of management fires that take place on blanket bog or other upland habitats. Natural
England (NE) has recorded nine wildfires on upland sites during the 2019-20 burning
season. Five of these affected blanket bog.</p><p> </p><p>Voluntary Commitments to
suspend burning were signed by 159 land managers (as of 24 September 2018). Of a total
of 402 consents to burn, 187 have either expired or been surrendered since that time,
equating to 47% of all consents.</p><p> </p><p>NE does not monitor compliance with
these Voluntary Commitments.</p>
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