Controlled burning on Dartmoor

A message from Simon Lee, Ranger Team Leader

Happy New Year everyone, I hope you all had a good festive period. If you are out and about on the moor in the New Year, you may see some controlled burning (swaling). Swaling is practiced as part of the moorland vegetation management by landowners and commoners. Swaling encourages a flush new spring grasses (great for livestock) together with the creation of a ‘mosaic’ of different ages of vegetation which is beneficial for wildlife. Swaling also helps with overgrown vegetation on open moorland which can restrict public access and, during the warmer months, presents a significant risk of wildfires.  

Nationally controlled burning takes place between October 1 and April 15, but usually the conditions are more favourable in the New Year. On Dartmoor a voluntary code ends burning on the March 31 to allow for the ground nesting bird season. If you see a fire on the moors around this time and are at all concerned, then please call the Fire service on 999. The fire service should be notified by anybody intending to carry out a planned swale, so will be able to check if it is planned or un-planned (wildfire).