RSPB Scotland is asking people across the country to play their part in protecting fragile peatlands by reporting any evidence of burning on moorland through its dedicated app or website.
The charity says the information gathered will be passed directly to the authorities and will help build a clearer picture of where burning continues to take place, especially in areas where it is illegal or carried out in an unsustainable way.
Peatlands cover around twelve per cent of the UK and hold more carbon than the forests of the UK, France and Germany combined, storing an estimated three point two billion tonnes.
Eight out of ten of these peatlands are now in degraded condition and are emitting carbon instead of holding it, a reversal caused in large part by repeated burning and historic land management practices that have scarred the landscape.
Scotlands uplands support some of the countrys most vulnerable wildlife, including Hen Harriers, Ring Ouzels, Whinchats and the Large Heath butterfly, and are home to globally important habitats that have taken thousands of years to form.
From October to April each year, upland vegetation is routinely burned across many parts of Scotland in a practice known as rotational burning, which is used to encourage new growth for red grouse, deer and livestock.
Scientific reviews have shown that regular burning can cause significant environmental harm, dries out blanket bogs and contributes to peatlands becoming a source of emissions rather than a powerful tool for climate action.
Duncan Orr Ewing of RSPB Scotland says the charity welcomes forthcoming legislation but believes better information is essential.
He said:
“Welcome new legislation to licence all muirburn in Scotland will be introduced from Autumn 2026 following a couple of delays.
“This legislation restricts burning on deep peatlands over 40 cm, however, still makes provision for prescribed burning in some circumstances to reduce the risk of wildfires.
“Better information on the distribution and timing of burning activities is critical to make informed decisions around muirburn and to reduce wildfire risk.”
Members of the public can report a burn anonymously through the RSPB Burning website or by using the My Survey123 app, which is available on both iOS and Android.
The charity says each report helps build essential evidence to show how widespread burning remains across the uplands and supports efforts to tackle practices that damage peatlands and increase the risk of wildfires.
By taking a moment to record what they see on the hills, people can play a direct role in protecting a habitat that is vital for wildlife, carbon storage and Scotlands long term environmental health.
Ending burning on peatlands is seen as a crucial part of restoring landscapes that once acted as vast natural carbon sinks and remain globally important for biodiversity.
