Natural England

Farmers in West Penwith welcomed last weeks workshop on heathland burning organised by The HEATH project.

The workshop, held at Morvah Schoolhouse, on Wednesday 5th March, focused on scrub clearance, fire break cutting and controlled burning.

Speakers from the RSPB, Natural England, and Cornwall Fire Brigade outlined, to around twenty farmers, the benefits of heathland burning and how to make sure it’s done safely. The group then visited Chypraze farm to see fire break and burning management examples first hand.

Managed controlled heathland burning is encourage by conservation bodies such as Natural England, on certain landscapes, as it clears scrub and old heather, provides fresh forage for livestock and opens up the vegetation allowing new plants to colonize. relative to other options, it’s also cheap and quick, as well as effective on rough terrain, if done correctly.

Ray Lawman, Natural England Senior Reserves Manager on the Lizard explained, “While managing land on the Lizard, the benefits of controlled and planned heathland burning are two fold. Burning helps to give a varied age structure to the heathland which results in a greater variety of wildlife, plants and habitats. Some species thrive on a very old age structure, such as the Dartford Warbler bird, while other species, such as orchids enjoy the renewed soil after a burn.

We also use burning as a management tool when reintroducing grazing to heathland. There would not be enough food for livestock without the first flush of new grasses which appear after a burn. Therefore the use of a “burning plan” which entails burning a rotation of small blocks of heathland, creating fresh patches for grazing, is essential.”

Ray continued, “I thought the workshop was a good idea as it gave me a chance to meet West Penwith farmers and learn about the different issues they face. It was also excellent to have a fireman there who has been putting out heathland fires for over 20 years and could share his experiences!”

Clive Williams from Cornwall Fire Brigade added, “As a farmer and fireman based at St Just for over 20 years, I have probably attended many of the large heathland fires in West Penwith during this time. It was really beneficial to myself and the farmers at the workshop that I could give examples of what I’d seen and identify practical vital safety measures that farmers should consider if planning a burn.”

Rose Nankervis from Wicca Farm near Zennor, explained, “As farmers we want to do the best we can to keep our land productive as well as ensure that it is a haven for wildlife. This workshop has been really useful as it has shown us another way to maintain the land in a responsible way. I would like to see the public support us in what we are doing and also understand more of the benefits of this type of land management.”

Further information on the safe burning practices can be found in The Heather and Grass burning code, published by Natural England.

The HEATH Project (Heathland, Environment, Agriculture, Tourism and Heritage) is working with heathland owners, managers and farmers in west Cornwall to help with the re-introduction of grazing, archaeological understanding and economic development of heathland. It aims to help landowners, managers and farmers restore neglected heathland in a sustainable way to achieve its full potential for wildlife.

The project is a partnership including local farmers, commoners, Natural England, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, The National Trust, Eden project, Cornwall County Council - Historic Environment Service and Penwith District Council. The HEATH Project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the EU Interreg Fund.

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Note to editors:

For further information please contact Alison Elvey de Rios, Communications and Community Manager The HEATH project, Tel direct line: 01872 245066 / Tel Office: 01872 245045. alison.elvey@naturalengland.org.uk www.theheathproject.org.uk

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings. For more information see www.naturalengland.org.uk