Wildfire prevention on Exmoor

Fires on Exmoor - Information and guidance

Help to prevent moorland fires

Fires spread quickly across moorland vegetation and can be devastating to the landscape and wildlife, including ground nesting birds, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals. Uncontrolled fires also put livestock and members of the public at risk.

To help reduce the risk of fires:

Do not discard litter, cigarettes, matches or lighters

Beware that glass bottles left on the ground can start fires. Leave no trace.

Take notice of any advisory or warning signs

Burning property without landowner permission is arson. If you see or suspect someone of acting suspiciously, recklessly, or irresponsibly in the countryside contact the Police on 101. In the event of a fire, please report it quickly to the fire service on 999 with the location, so that they can take action.

No open fires or BBQs

During periods of prolonged dry weather there is a very high fire risk at any time of year. Please do not use open fires and barbecues on any open moorland within the National Park.

More information from Devon and Somerset fire service here

Swaling

Swaling or controlled burning is a traditional, legal activity carried out to rejuvenate heather moorland and provide better grazing for livestock. It is normally carried out in the winter months, between 1st October and 15th April. To prevent damage to nesting birds Exmoor National Park Authority recommends that swaling is not carried out after the end of March. Exmoor National Park Authority does not licence or control burning on privately owned land. The regulation of burning is carried out by Natural England which ensures that swaling is done in accordance with the Heather & Grass Burning Regulations 2021 and the specific needs of the site

You must contact Natural England if burning on a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Find Government information on Heather and grass burning here

Find more advice from the Devon and Somerset fire service on swaling here