Comments on British Landscape Art - John Cheall: Why I am not painting the North York Moors

Here is the reply I got from NYM park authorityDea...

2008-02-26T08:19:00.000Z

Here is the reply I got from NYM park authority

Dear John

Thank you for your e-mail dated 19 February 2008. I understand your concerns about heather burning on the North York Moors. There has been a lot of burning carried out this winter as we have had a few long spells of suitable weather during the burning period (1 October – 15 April). Your question on carbon emissions is a very good one and I’m afraid I have no actual figures to report. However, it is believed that ‘good’ heather burning is carbon neutral as only the plant’s growth is burnt and then the plant grows back again. Most of the burning you see in winter is controlled burning by experienced gamekeepers who must follow DEFRA’s ‘Heather and Grass Burning Code’. This Code has just been reviewed and is available from the DEFRA and Natural England websites.

Problems can arise with severe fires, which are often accidental summer fires, as they can burn into the peat. This will, of course, release more carbon than good controlled heather burning and is something that everyone wants to avoid. One of the most efficient ways of avoiding severe and damaging fires is to ensure that the heather is managed by controlled burning. This avoids the establishment of large stands of old and woody heather which burn much hotter and will cause more damage than if younger plants were accidentally ignited.

I hope this goes at least some way towards answering your question. If you have further queries, please contact me again.

Yours sincerely,

Rachel Pickering

Moorland and Estate Officer

On reflection I am every bit as 'mad as hell' as I...

2008-02-26T08:13:00.000Z

On reflection I am every bit as 'mad as hell' as I was. Clearly rich landowners are also opinion-makers and there is little chance of matching their propaganda resources. Even less chance is there of interesting the docile populace, (steeped in Heartbeat and 'feudal' hierarchy) in such things, its hard to see anything that can be done. But there is no need because I think within a few years the grouse will have vanished from North Yorkshire. The problem is that Red Grouse is an arctic species, it suffers from pest attacks in warmer climes. As global temperatures continue to rise the species will be forced northwards and this industry will disappear from england. The heather burning only speeds the process. Ruperts will have to find some other use for their estates.

The control of the Moors has been too long in the ...

2008-02-22T11:29:00.000Z

The control of the Moors has been too long in the hands of the priviledged few. Since when did rich people blasting small feathered creatures with lead shot do anything to promote biodiversity. The moors are beautiful but they are also a stark example of monoculture.