§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will issue advice to farmers about the timing of heather burning in order to protect bird chicks; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe permitted dates for muirburn in Scotland are set out in the Hill Farming Act 1946. Advice on this legislation and on good management practice is contained in the "Guide to Good Muirburn Practice", jointly produced by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland and the Nature Conservancy Council and published for HMSO. A summary of this advice is contained in the leaflet "Muirburn—A Code of Practice" which is available free of charge from the Scottish agricultural colleges. In addition, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland issues a press release each year to remind farmers and crofters about the date for the end of the muirburn season and the need to take proper precautions to prevent damage to wildlife and adjoining properties.