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BURNING moorlands in order to improve grouse breeding conditions is causing long-term environmental damage, according to new research.
Scientists at the University of Leeds say the results of the process include the wiping out of parts of the wildlife food chain, changes in river water’s chemical make-up, silting of rivers, and reduction of moorland’s ability to absorb water.
The conclusions are in line with many of those promoted by campaigners two years ago following severe flooding in the Pennines in Yorkshire.
Two towns, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden in the Calder Valley, were badly affected.
Moorland above the towns had been burned to improve breeding conditions for grouse — and to fatten landowners’ purses with shooting parties.
Local activists launched “Ban the Burn” protests demanding that the process be stopped.
The research showed that during heavy rainfall, flow levels in rivers where moorland had been burned were higher, but the evidence was not conclusive.
