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Controlled Burning: Scotland

Asked by Charlie DewhirstConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 17 March 2026UIN 120165

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many licences for winter burns of vegetation in England have been granted by Defra in the last year; and if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the Scottish Government’s Strategic Action Plan on Wildfires, published on 5 March 2026, in the context of the use of winter burns.

Answered by Mary Creagh

No Heather and Grass Burning Licences have yet been granted in the 2025-2026 burning season. Whilst a number of the applications we have received have been determined, others are still being processed.

Both Heather and Grass Burning, and wildfire are devolved matters.

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