Muirburn Licensing

The Wildlife and Natural Environment Act 2011 introduced several changes to the legislation governing muirburn. One of these was to allow the possibility of carrying out muirburn outwith the legal muirburn season, under licence.

The muirburn season The muirburn season consists of the standard season and the extended season and runs from 1 October in any year to 30 April in the following year. The season exists to ensure that muirburn is only carried out during the time of year when the potential for muirburn to damage economic, social, and environmental interests is minimised.

However, there may be exceptional circumstances where muirburn has a specific purpose which can only be achieved by burning in the period from 1 May to 30 September in any year, and that specific purpose cannot be achieved by burning within the muirburn season. From 1st August 2011 it is possible to apply for a licence to carry out muirburn out of season for the following purposes:

a) conserving, restoring, enhancing or managing the natural environment;

b) research; or

c) public safety.

Examples might include burning to create a suitable seedbed at the appropriate time of year for natural regeneration of adjacent native woodland, or scientific research into the consequences for dry heath of muirburn in September.

Further guidance and application forms are available below:

Out of season muirburn - Guidance for applicants    

Out of season muirburn - Licence application form