Cllr Tom Hunt has written to the Secretary of State for the Environment Steve Barclay MP, asking for legislation to be introduced that would outlaw the practise of burning on the moors around the city.
Statements on moorland burning
Councillor Angela Argenzio, Co-Chair of Sheffield’s Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “Sheffield City Council has had a ‘non burning’ policy on its land since 2016. We all know that air pollution kills and that burning moors adds to air pollution, damages biodiversity and natural habitats and affects those with asthma and other health conditions. Carbon is best left in the ground.”
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee, said: “Our moorland has a special place in the hearts of people in Sheffield and people want to see it protected. Whilst the council has limited powers to compel landowners to behave responsibly, we will use all tools at our disposal to encourage them to do so. Our biodiversity is precious and needs protecting. That’s why landowners should follow our lead and introduce a ‘non-burning’ policy’.”
For information:
- Heather burning is currently a legal activity and councils don’t have any jurisdiction over this.
- Burning on blanket bog (areas of moorland on deep peat) is detrimental to biodiversity, peat formation, water quality and carbon storage.