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PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS SPREADSHEET COULD BE SHARED OUTSIDE NE
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For all incidents of fire on SSSIs and NNRs, please complete as fully as you can.
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Please be aware that data in the spreadsheet could be shared outside Natural England
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In particular, be aware that we need to be cautious about attributing cause when reporting incidents. Avoid indicating a cause where that could be attributed to a known individual or individuals UNLESS you have supporting evidence. For example describing a fire as being due to prescribed burning getting out of control is likely to relate to action that can be attributed to an identifiable individual. On the other hand 'Arson' could not usually be attributed to an identifiable individual.
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Information about causes of fire is very useful but we need to avoid making assertions that could result in challenge because we lack proof. Further information can be recorded and stored in SSSI files on TRIM but be aware that this may be subject FOI etc requests.
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Personal information could include names, farm or Estate names and contact details for individuals.
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Where a fire extends on to 2 or more SSSI please record the event for each on a separate line.
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HEATHER AND GRASS BURNING REGULATIONS
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 The fire affected more than 10ha in a single burn The fire exposed more than 0.5ha of bare soil in a single burn The burning exposed bare soil more than a metre wide at all points extending for more than 25 metres along the bank of a watercourse The burning left soil smouldering for more than 48 hours The burn affected more than 0.5ha on slopes over 45 degrees in a single area The burn area exceeds 0.5ha where more than half the area is exposed rock or scree
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How to decide whether a Heather and Grass Burning Regulations offence may have been committed:
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Any burning of vegetation on peat deeper than 30cm in the uplands (Less Favoured Areas) is likely to be a potential breach of the 2021 (amended 2025) Regulations unless licenced by Secretary of State.
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On other land (2007 Regulations): Where the burning was a deliberate management fire or occurred as a result of a managed fire getting out of control, there may be an offence if any of situations listed below apply.
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The burn was uncontrolled for all or part of its duration
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The burning took place outside the season (1st October - 15th April in the uplands (defined as SDA land) and 1st November - 31st March in the lowlands)
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The burn was started before sunrise or after sunset
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The fire affected more than 10ha in a single burn
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The fire exposed more than 0.5ha of bare soil in a single burn
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The burning exposed bare soil more than a metre wide at all points extending for more than 25 metres along the bank of a watercourse
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The burning left soil smouldering for more than 48 hours
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The burn affected more than 0.5ha on slopes over 45 degrees in a single area
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The burn area exceeds 0.5ha where more than half the area is exposed rock or scree
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