Would they be a consequence of heather burning by landowners?
In some cases, but not all. Things are incredibly dry here at the moment and it doesn't take much to get things alight. The one in Fort William was allegedly started by sparks from a bonfire.
Sure going to be bad for ground nesting birds anyway. Estate managers will be delighted that there will be fewer predators though, though I guess it might have affected grouse too, not sure.
Burning the heather gives the grouse more to eat when it regrows though.
My question would be - if it's so dry, have landowners stopped burning for this year?
They'll pick it up again as soon as there's some rain.
SOG.
Swailing should only be done till the end of March.
That means should, but i'm unsure of HLS terms in Scotland.
We have been out at 3 grass fires and all controlled burning that tourists have seen and called us out. Nothing as serious as the Fort William.
They were burning around Lochindorb as I rode past this afternoon. By the look and the smell of the place they must have burnt a lot over the last few days. Lots of lads on those 6 wheeled off-roader golf buggy like things spraying water to keep control.
