EUROPEAN COMMISSION

DIRECTORATE-GENERAL ENVIRONMENT
Directorate D - Implementation, Governance & Semester

ENV.D.3 - Enforcement, Cohesion Policy & European Semester, Cluster 3

Head of Unit

,
2 0, 05. 2016
R
Brussels,
ENV.D.3/JLL/ad/CHAP(2013)l 13
Aidan E. Foley
aidan. foley@,etieonsult.co.uk

Dear Mr Foley,
Subject:

CHAP(2013)113 - management of Walshaw Moor

Since the last update provided to you in September 2013, we have had a number of
exchanges with the UK authorities on the management of the blanket bog habitats within
Natura 2000 sites in England, including the South Pennines Moor SAC where Walshaw
Moor is situated. Therefore I would like to provide you with an update on the progress of
our investigation of your complaint.
Through a number of exchanges we have had with the UK authorities it was clarified that
burning of blanket bogs is a wide-spread practice within Natura 2000 sites in England
designated for the conservation of these habitats. Therefore the Commission services
have extended its investigation on blanket bog management, particularly on allowing
blanket bog burning, to all English SAC's designated for the conservation of blanket
bogs. This as we understand is also the main concern raised in your complaint in relation
to Walshaw Moor.
As no acceptable and timely solution was reached within the framework of our
investigation, we have decided to start an infringement procedure and a letter of formal
notice was sent to the UK in April 2016. This raises concerns about the failure to carry
out appropriate assessments as required under the Habitats Directive in relation to a
number of management agreements, allowing burning of blanket bogs within Natura
2000 sites, and the failure to avoid deterioration of blanket bog habitats within Natura
2000 sites designated for the conservation of those habitats in England. A letter of formal
notice is the first stage in the legal process. The UK was given two months to provide a
response which the Commission will then consider.
As to the more specific question raised in your letter of 26 October 2013 on the extent of
the grip blocking programme in the Walshaw Moor we sought additional information
from the UK competent authorities on this as well. They informed us that the
Management Scheme grip blocking programme identified over 219.8 km of grips, of
which 92.384.10 m are to be completed in 2015/2016. Only a small number of drains that
Commission europenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGI - Tel. +32 22991111
Office: BU-9 02/184 - Tel. direct line +32 229-64135
paul.speight@ec.europa.eu

previously were under investigation have been omitted from the drain blocking schedule.
We are satisfied by the answers provided and therefore do not intend to pursue this
matter further.
Yours sincerely,

Paul Speight