A new training course designed to promote best practice in the use of muirburn - while protecting the environment - has been launched for land managers, and subsequently encouraged by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Muirburn, the technique of using fire as a land management tool in predominantly heather moorland (or grassland) restoration, aims to create a mosaic of heather patches of different ages to support highland wildlife.
The season typically takes place from 1 October to 15 April, with the training set to assist practitioners to adhere to best practice guidance and follow the Muirburn Code during this time.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has joined forces with the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA), Scotland’s Regional Moorland Groups (SRMG) and NatureScot to shape the lessons, with Lantra accrediting the course.
SFRS Deputy Assistant Chief Officer, and Chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum Bruce Farquharson, said:
"The course has been designed to enhance the planning, skills and experience needed to practice muirburn.
"We want to ensure that prescribed burning is done to a high standard, ensuring that practitioners avoid damaging habitats, wildlife and the wider environment.
“We are pleased to have played a part in developing the lessons, as part of this multi-agency group, to support land managers to work in a safe and responsible manner.”
The new course is split into two sections, an online module and a practical module. The e-learning side will cover the requirements of the Muirburn Code including where and when Muirburn can be carried out, restrictions on where Muirburn can be carried out and the required notifications before Muirburning.
Meanwhile, the practical module will cover the basics on how to safely use equipment, both mechanical and non-mechanical, the correct PPE, the on the day considerations such as weather and wildfire danger assessments, the safe application of fire and post burn considerations. Assessment will be via direct observation and knowledge and understanding checks.
Karen Rentoul, NatureScot’s Policy and Advice Manager for Uplands and Peatlands, said:
“Muirburn can be an important and useful land management tool that can provide multiple benefits, but it’s vital it’s carried out appropriately to keep fires under control and prevent damage.
“We are pleased to have worked with partners to create this training course aimed at everyone who carries out muirburn. Accredited by Lantra, the qualification covers legal requirements and the Muirburn Code, as well as the practical skills and equipment needed to carry out controlled muirburn, and will ensure a high standard of professionalism in carrying out muirburn.”
Iain Hepburn of The Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) said:
“The Group’s remit was to come up with a training package that was fit for purpose. It had to be user friendly, easily understood by the people who would use it, not be bogged down in technicalities, but have enough new material that all practitioners would realise that the days of bad practice are finished. A new modern outlook where thought, care and planning are vital when commencing prescribed burning and risk management is the way forward."
Calum Kippen of Scotland’s Regional Moorland Groups (SRMG) said:
“As practitioners who use muirburn - a vital management tool for biodiversity, conservation and wildfire mitigation - we recognise the importance of ensuring all land managers uphold the highest of standards by adhering to best practice guidance and following the Muirburn Code. This training will help practitioners to do just that. We encourage muirburn practitioners to sign up to course.”
Sean Duffy, Lantra's Head of Industry Partnerships (Forestry & Arb), commented:
“Lantra are delighted to work in collaboration with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to develop this course in an industry led format. This will ensure that that prescribed burning is completed in a safe manner and to the standards required to avoid damaging the local environments."