NFU Cymru is reminding upland farmers across Wales that they have until Thursday, 31 March 2016, before the window for burning grass and heather closes.
Geraint Rowlands Merionethshire NFU Cymru County Chairman said: “When implemented correctly, burning heather, rough grass, bracken, gorse and bilberry is an important land management tool but it must be carried out in accordance with the ‘Heather and Grass Burning (Wales) Regulations 2008’.
“Burning can be dangerous, therefore there are strict guidelines in place to ensure it is carried out correctly.”
Before starting the burn you must:
• Notify landowners and occupiers of neighbouring land
• Notify the Fire and Rescue Service. The north Wales phone number is 01745 535805
• (For designated land) ask for permission from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) or CADW and those in Glastir need to contact Rural Payments Wales (RPW).
• Prepare a Burning Management Plan
• Ensure that you have enough people to control the fire
For lowland areas the deadline date for burning has passed and anyone wishing to burn after these dates can only do so by applying to Welsh Government for a licence.
Full details regarding the burning of grass and heather are available from the Welsh Government on 0300 0622283 or 0300 0622285.
