PARTS of the Forest of Bowland are being deliberately set on fire – releasing as much carbon into the atmosphere a year as all the cars in the UK, it has been claimed.

An RSPB Centre for Conservation Science-led study has revealed the extent of upland burning across Lancashire.

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The burning of moorlands, a mixture of bog and heath habitats, is primarily used to increase the numbers of red grouse that are available for recreational shooting.

The damage caused by man-made blazes was detected in 55 per cent of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and 63 per cent of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) nationally, the study found.

The effects include releasing carbon stored in peat into the atmosphere, polluting drinking water and destroying wildlife habitats.

However the Moorland Association, which was set up to tackle serious declines in the landscapes, said shooting provided a boost for the rural economy and landowners were working to manage moorlands.

Roy Taylor, RSPB area manager, said there was a drive to produce 200 to 300 or more grouse for every square kilometre across Britain.

He said: “This would never occur in natural situations – it is commercial farming of grouse. These densities have been achieved through an increased frequency and intensity of burning.

“Other areas are owned by the water company United Utilities, which has a principle not to burn, because of the impact on water quality, carbon and wildlife.

“The southern part of the English uplands in the South Pennines, which is a comparable area, released as much carbon as all the cars in the UK.

“Burning releases dissolved organic carbon, the stuff which turns tap water the colour of stewed tea.

“Removing this from water via chemical treatment is the biggest cost to water companies – a cost which is then passed on in bills for water customers.”

But Robert Benson, the chairman of Moorland Association at Celleron House, Tirril, Penrith, said the report dates back four years and misses out the work now being carried out by landowners.

He said: “Moorland managed for red grouse pre-dates the conservation designations in the report and this management – including burning – has played a large part in leading to the protection of our most precious landscapes.

“We know that deep peat can be damaged by fire, particularly wild fire.

“Controlled burning, using a cool burning technique which all moorland keepers are trained to do is however an important tool in managing both to prevent or aid control of wildfire and also can contribute to the effectiveness of peatland restoration aiding the introduction of other moisture holding plant species.”