Smoke Signals

This is the time of year for staff on a number of Highland Estates to undertake their annual management of heather moorland known as muirburn. This practice is usually signaled by a distant plume of smoke on our hills, particularly in the East of Scotland. The aim of burning small patches of heather is to create a mosaic of growth stages. Young regenerating heather shoots provide a food source for many moorland residents such as grouse and livestock as well as providing nesting habitat for golden plover and skylark. More mature heather provides nesting habitat as well as cover from adverse weather and predators for many species including the mountain hares. There is a Muirburn Code which Estates must follow to ensure burning is completed under the correct conditions, within the designated season and with no damage to other important habitats such as native woodland and montane (high altitude) heath.

Any mistakes can be costly not just for wildlife but also for those undertaking muirburn.