Nature Objectives
A7. Fire management
Muirburn is used as a management tool in the Cairngorms to improve grazing, to increase grouse densities, to create firebreaks and to create seed bed conditions for tree regeneration. It is a potentially dangerous tool which should only be carried out by skilled, trained practitioners, operating in line with best practice and with the new licencing regime when this is in place. It should not be used on deep peat.
The management of wildfires is separate from muirburn. Wildfires release carbon, can damage or destroy sensitive and rare habitats, can kill species and pose a significant risk to people and property.
There is a need to have a robust approach to fire in the National Park and to ensure we have the resources to deliver on the ground. The changing climate heightens the risk of wildfire across the National Park and we need to respond accordingly. Key Objectives and targets
Objective
Ensure that all managed burning (muirburn) follows best practice as defined by the muirburn licensing scheme, supporting habitat restoration and recovery.
Target
Reduce wildfire risk by developing an integrated wildfire management plan for the National Park.
Indicator
All muirburn will comply with regulations set out in the muirburn licensing scheme, including stopping burning on deep peatlands as defined by the licensing regime.
Actions By 2027
• Conduct an audit to establish an accurate baseline for the extent of deep peat in the National Park.
• Introduce and support a muirburn licencing regime in the National Park.
• Develop an integrated wildfire management plan for the National Park, including strategic firebreaks.
• Develop and agree a National Park approach on campfires and barbecues.
Partners (alongside the Park Authority)
Scottish Government, NatureScot, Scottish Land and Estates, landowners, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, environmental NGOs, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service