There are various regulations controlling the burning of heather, grass and crop residues. They are: - The Crop Residues (Burning) Regulations of 1993
- The Heather and Grass (Burning) Regulations of 1986
- The Highways Act of 1980 (as amended in 1986)
- The Clean Air Act of 1993
- The Environmental Protection Act of 1990
- The Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974
- The Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981
These regulations are lengthy and most farmers and landowners are aware of their responsibilities, so the following is just a brief summary:
- Burning is only allowed between 1st November and 31st March in lowland areas and 1st October and 15th April in upland areas. At other times, you can get a licence only in very specific circumstances
- You must give not less than one day or more than seven days of written notice to neighbours, owners and occupiers of the land
- You must not start burning between sunset and sunrise
- You must ensure that sufficient people and equipment are on hand to control the fire
- You must take all reasonable precautions to prevent injury or damage to people and animals
- You must follow special arrangements and plan well in advance if burning on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
- You must not cause a nuisance through the creation of smoke
- You must not create dark smoke