Sheffield City Council have issued a statement following the heather burning which has occurred over the past week.
The heather burning, which has been taking place on Sheffield’s rural fringe, occurs to maximise the growth of green shoots in order to feed Grouse and other livestock.
Councillor Angela Argenzio, Co-Chair of Sheffield’s Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “Sheffield City Council has had a ‘non burning’ policy on its land since 2016.
“We all know that air pollution kills and that burning moors adds to air pollution, damages biodiversity and natural habitats and affects those with asthma and other health conditions.
“Carbon is best left in the ground.”
While moorland burning is a legal practice, many environmentalists expressed their concern regarding huge clouds of smoke blowing over suburban areas such as Crookes and Ecclesall, and even reaching some areas of the city centre.
Bob Berzins, 63, who spoke to The Steel View last week, branded it as a ‘medical emergency’ for people with respiratory conditions.
Residents have urged councillors to act quickly to put a stop to the burning, however in the recent statement, Sheffield city council reinforced that heather burning is a ‘legal activity’ and they ‘don’t have any jurisdiction over it’.
Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee, said: “Our moorland has a special place in the hearts of people in Sheffield and people want to see it protected.
“Whilst the council has limited powers to compel landowners to behave responsibly, we will use all tools at our disposal to encourage them to do so.
“Our biodiversity is precious and needs protecting. That’s why landowners should follow our lead and introduce a ‘non-burning’ policy.”
