Newsroom
Press Releases
The Heather Trust occasionally publishes press releases for the media and other interested parties. Below you will find our official statements and any relevant links or assets for each release. These can be reproduced without restriction. Please credit the Heather Trust for images unless otherwise stated.
For all press enquiries, please contact Amy Smith.
Val Charlton, Landworks South Africa was one of the keynote speakers on Day One of the UK Wildfire Conference.
Today’s conference was preceded by a site visit to the James Hutton Institute Glensaugh Farm, Fettercairn, where delegates saw demonstrations of wildfire fighting equipment including a demonstration by PDG Helicopters.
Landscape management and community preparation is key to mitigating wildfire here in the UK
THE COMMON thread of preparing landscapes and communities for the threat of wildfire ran through day one of the UK Wildfire Conference – Resilience in a Changing World in Aberdeen today (12 November).
Almost 250 delegates gathered at Wildfire2024 at P&J Live to hear from global experts who shared their experiences of wildfire across a range of landscapes in South Africa, Chile, Norway, Portugal, Canada and others. The collective message was one of using wildfire prevention techniques that reduce damage and create wildfire resilient communities by adopting traditional and new techniques to manage landscapes, in tandem with responsive policy frameworks.
The conference opened with an address by Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity who recognised that wildfires can have a significant impact on our wildlife and environment as well as the economic and social costs to the communities affected by outbreaks of such a destructive force in our countryside.
He said we needed to reduce the preventable wildfires that not only occur here in Scotland but throughout the developed world. In recognising the predicted extension of the wildfire season due to climate change, Mr Fairlie said that we could experience more sustained severe fire danger throughout the year.
He noted the valuable work that event hosts, the Scottish Wildfire Forum carries out and its role in enhancing the partnership work with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and those with an interest in land management throughout Scotland.
Keynote speaker, Val Charlton of Landworks South Africa said:
“Events like the UK Wildfire Conference are so important because it gives the community of practice, exposure to new ideas, progress and other people’s perspectives.
“Knowledge sharing is key for three reasons; firstly, it is important for the UK community to know that their challenges are not much different from the rest of the world; secondly it is clear that no single nation can win the battle again wildfires on their own - international cooperation is becoming increasingly important; and thirdly, the UK can avoid making the same mistakes – you can learn from others in terms of what works and what doesn’t.
“Globally, we should be placing much more emphasis upon reducing risk at landscape level and involving the people that live in those landscapes and in the natural/urban interface areas. We must make that paradigm shift from suppression focus to prevention focus.
“These challenges are global, but the UK has a fantastic opportunity to avoid repeating the same mistakes as other countries, if it places an emphasis on effective landscape and community planning, backed up with political support and good policies.”
Michael Bruce, Vice Chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum said:
“We have been treated today to a global perspective of wildfire by some of the leading lights in the sector. Tomorrow, we look forward to an equally rich programme of speakers who will be focussing on where we are in terms of wildfire risk and mitigation in the UK. We will also be discussing controlled burning and its role in building resilience into our landscapes.”
Call for a reappraisal of bracken:
its threats and management
THE stakeholder group representing those with an interest in controlling bracken is calling for a reappraisal of this dominant species and further research into how to mitigate the threats it presents to human and animal health and wider biodiversity.
The Bracken Control Group (BCG) represents a wide range of interests (Note 1), and the Group believes that the loss of Asulox (Note 2) (the main herbicide, which had been used to control bracken since the late 1960s) has precipitated the need for a reassessment of the plant and how to mitigate the threats associated with it through effective, practical management.
Bracken is a common plant species in all parts of the UK and while it provides benefits for some species, where it becomes dominant it provides a challenge to existing land uses and introduces a range of threats (Note 3).
Asulox, is no longer available (Note 2) and as this was the only product authorised for aerial application, it is no longer possible to treat bracken from a helicopter.
“Bracken is notoriously hard to manage, and the BCG welcomes the new best practice guidance on bracken management that has been published by NatureScot, on behalf of all the UK nature conservation and national historic bodies (Note 4),” said Simon Thorp, Coordinator of the BCG who provided input into the guidance process.
“The new guidance is a very useful start to the development of further approved management techniques to be based on more evidence and research. It covers many aspects of bracken control using physical methods (Note 5).”
The Nature Conservation Bodies intend to develop a UK Bracken Strategic Framework, which it is hoped will address many of the issues identified by the BCG in its draft review of bracken (Note 6).
It is anticipated that the development of this Framework will include a survey of all those who carry out management of bracken.
“The BCG is suggesting that some demonstration sites should be set up in parallel with, or as an alternative to, the survey, to provide a means for detailed monitoring of bracken management and to provide a location for those with an interest in bracken and its management to meet to share knowledge and experience,” said Simon.
“Feedback on any bracken related issues will be welcomed, with social media proving to be a useful resource for the BCG in connecting stakeholders, farmers, and those with an interest in bracken to the latest updates both from the BCG and the latest advances in the bracken domain.” (Note 7)
There continues to be developments, such as the recently published paper on bracken toxins (Note 8) and a planned review of bracken in Countryside Stewardship by the Environmental Land Management team at DEFRA this year but, says Simon, there are many alarming research gaps:
“Support for more research to identify any alternative chemicals to Asulox is required. It is also surprising that there is no accurate measure of the area of bracken in the UK, and whether or not this is increasing. New technologies, such as drones, are coming into play and could provide interesting developments in the future. The impact of bracken on human and animal health is also of increasing importance.”
Both The Heather Trust and the BCG have been involved in hosting events and site visits to provide updates on the bracken situation, with further on-site bracken events also in the pipeline this summer (details will be announced through the HT and BCG websites).
Katrina Candy (Director of the Heather Trust) said: “The conversations continue on how we effectively manage this dominant species which can have detrimental impacts on human and animal health and wider biodiversity. We need to keep up the momentum with research and innovation to bring appropriate, workable solutions to the many landscapes and livelihoods that are impacted.”
Bracken is a complex and multifaceted issue, but the ultimate aim is to encourage dialogue, promote insight and engage in discussion to aid the future of appropriate bracken management.
ENDS
Notes:
1. The Bracken Control Group
a. This independent Group was formed to work with all organisations and people throughout the UK that have an interest in bracken control; it considers all bracken control issues and techniques.
b. The Group’s website has more detail: www.brackencontrol.co.uk it includes:
• A list of the Sector Representatives https://www.brackencontrol.co.uk/home/sector-representatives
• A Position Statement, published on 7th February 2024, that provides more detail to support this press release.
2. Asulox
a. In October 2023, the manufacturers withdrew their support for Asulox. The effect of this decision is that it is not possible to obtain further approval to use Asulox for bracken control. The manufacturer’s decision was commercial: the costs of continuing to prove the safety of the product were not being covered by the return from sales.
b. Asulox had been in use since the late-1960s. As this was the only product with approval for application from a helicopter, Asulox had become the accepted method for tackling large areas of bracken, or to carry out management in places where access by other means was difficult, unsafe or impossible.
c. As a consequence of the withdrawal of Asulox:
• It will be more difficult or impossible to counter the threats from bracken in many areas, and
• It will not be possible to complete the agri-environment agreements where the use of chemical control had been specified.
3. The Threats Associated with Bracken
a. Amongst other issues, bracken poses a significant threat to: biodiversity, drinking water quality, agriculture, rural businesses, animal welfare, access and recreation, source of fuel for wildfire and to the health of people, livestock and wildlife through the diseases spread by sheep ticks.
b. Three threats are of particular concern:
• Expansion – empirical evidence from landowners and land managers is that the area coverage of bracken is growing and therefore the threats from bracken are increasing.
• Ticks and Diseases - the attraction of bracken beds as a habitat for sheep ticks is well-established. Sheep tick numbers are reported to be increasing rapidly in many areas and with them the potential impact of the tick-borne diseases that affect humans, livestock and wildlife. Reducing the area of bracken is one method of reducing the spread of these diseases. Lyme disease is the most common disease the affects people. Tick-borne encephalitis was first identified in the UK in 2019 and poses a serious threat to people.
• Bracken Exudates - an international review of the exudates from bracken (one of which is Ptaquiloside) was published in June 2024. This confirms the link between the exudates and cancer, first identified in a paper published in 1965. There are concerns about the impact of bracken on drinking water quality.
4. New Bracken Management Guidance
a. See: https://www.nature.scot/plants-animals-and-fungi/ferns/bracken
5. Bracken Control Techniques – two categories
a. Physical – hand-pulling, cutting, rolling, bruising, ploughing and trampling by animals.
b. Chemical – treatment with herbicide. Currently there is no product with approval for general use on bracken. Trials are taking place in the hope of identifying alternative products.
6. Draft Bracken Control Review
a. See Bracken Briefing No.17: https://www.brackencontrol.co.uk/briefings
7. Social Media Links
a. X/Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GroupBracken / https://x.com/GroupBracken
b. Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/groupbracken?igsh=MWZ4cnhyOG5kYnIwNQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
8. Recent Reports
a. Links to recent reports are available in the July 2024 BCG Newsletter: https://www.brackencontrol.co.uk/news
9. Contact for Photographs
info@brackencontrol.co.uk
Moor House – the home of upland research
An excellent opportunity to hear from experts on a wide range of upland management topics is being presented by The Heather Trust on Tuesday, June 25th at Moor House National Nature Reserve in Upper Teesdale.
The event is open to all and is shaping up to be a fascinating day of learning and networking on one of England’s largest National Nature Reserves, kindly hosted by Natural England and sponsored by the Joseph Nickerson Charitable Foundation.
Whether you're a moorland enthusiast, a land manager, a conservationist, scientist or simply curious about how our magnificent uplands work, you will be interested in the broad subject range covered by a great line-up of speakers.
The reserve itself is made up of 8,800 hectares and encompasses an almost complete range of upland habitats typical of the North Pennines. It is famous for the rare spring gentian as well as England’s largest juniper wood.
This in-person full-day event will start at The High Force Hotel before heading out to the site visit, returning to the hotel for lunch and a lively discussion on the topics of the day. As well as the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas and expand your network, attendees will benefit from a full agenda which can be viewed on the Trust’s website. Included in the speaker line-up are:
• Rob Marrs - Liverpool University
• Andreas Heinemeyer - University of York
• David Jarrett - Freelance ecologist
• Martin Furness - Natural England
• David Baines - upland researcher
“Moor House is a fascinating site with a long pedigree of varied and relevant research which will be of interest to a wide range of attendees,” said Katrina Candy, Director of The Heather Trust.
“Our expert speakers will share the latest information on topics such as grouse and wader research, heather burning, carbon research, grazing and tree planting, both on the site visit and during afternoon presentations. And we hope the Q&A sessions will spark some lively discussion whilst sharing valuable knowledge.”
In addition, there will be a unique opportunity to participate in a stargazing and dinner experience on the night of Monday 24th June. Enjoy the chance to dine as an informal group, before heading out to High Force Waterfall for an evening of stargazing, led by a local astronomer.
For more information and to book your place, visit: www.heathertrust.co.uk/events
Notes
Moor House is famous for the rare spring gentian as well as England’s largest juniper wood. The rare black grouse also breeds here, as does the golden plover and ring ouzel. Rare arctic-alpine plants, remnants of the ice-age, can be found and there are many species of wading birds such as lapwing, curlew, redshank and golden plover.
ENDS
For more information, contact:
Katrina Candy – katrina.candy@heathertrust.co.uk; 07776 857222
The Heather Trust:
The Heather Trust’s beneficiaries are those that benefit from resilient, sustainable heather moorland and associated environments. In its broadest terms this is the population of Great Britain and its visitors, since well managed moors will provide public goods such as carbon storage, water management – both quality and flood risk management, rich, diverse and unique plant and animal communities, and recreational opportunities which benefit physical and mental wellbeing. It will also provide rural communities with employment opportunities either through direct management of the moorland or in associated industries such as tourism and recreation, which aids community cohesion and resilience, ensuring our much-loved moorlands and uplands continue to be places for people as well as nature.
Thus, The Heather Trust wishes to see sustainable, resilient moorlands for the benefit of everyone.
To help make this vision a reality, our mission is to develop and promote sustainable, resilient moorlands through facilitation and collaboration; engagement and representation; education and demonstration based on research, experience and best practice.
Frond or foe – how do we tackle the bracken blight?
Bracken - regarded as a dominant carcinogenic blight on our countryside, yet a valued habitat for some wildlife species. Whatever your view on this ancient and widespread plant, it requires active management across many and varied landscapes.
With the removal of Asulox in 2023 as a targeted chemical control agent, many land managers are at a crossroads on how to manage this ubiquitous fern while new guidance (and science) is being developed.
Bracken (and its control) is not a straightforward subject with varied stakeholders keen to find a workable solution to the feared rapid spread of the plant which has large underground rhizome systems which protects it from frost, fire and other disturbance. A bracken-dominated landscape impacts on farming practices, forestry, conservation and recreation and can harbour ticks which carry diseases affecting animal and human health.
Now, as the fronds appear and unfurl, it's time for land managers and farmers across the UK to plan their 2024 bracken management regime. To furnish them with the latest information and current options for control, Simon Thorp (Bracken Control Group) and Katrina Candy (The Heather Trust) will be hosting a virtual Q&A session on Tuesday 4 June, 1800-1830hrs which is free for all to attend.
To book your place, visit: www.heathertrust.co.uk/events
ENDS
Caption – Katrina Candy, Director of The Heather Trust will be co-hosting the online event ‘Bracken Management – so what now?’ on 4th June.
For more information, contact:
Katrina Candy – katrina.candy@heathertrust.co.uk; 07776 857222
The Heather Trust: The Heather Trust’s beneficiaries are those that benefit from resilient, sustainable heather moorland and associated environments. In its broadest terms this is the population of Great Britain and its visitors, since well managed moors will provide public goods such as carbon storage, water management – both quality and flood risk management - rich, diverse and unique plant and animal communities, and recreational opportunities which benefit physical and mental wellbeing. It will also provide rural communities with employment opportunities either through direct management of the moorland or in associated industries such as tourism and recreation, which aids community cohesion and resilience, ensuring our much-loved moorlands and uplands continue to be places for people as well as nature.
Global interest in Aberdeen wildfire event
LEADING lights from the world of wildfire have been announced as speakers at this year’s UK Wildfire Conference to be held in Aberdeen.
Keynote addresses will be given by Marc Castellnou, Commander in the Catalan Fire Service; Prof Tiago Oliveira, Agency for Integrated Rural Fire Management; Val Charlton, Landworks South Africa; Francesca Osowska, NatureScot; and Jim Savege, Aberdeenshire Council.
Alongside the keynote speakers, the event will feature presentations from sector experts from Norway, Switzerland, The Netherlands and France as well as ‘home-grown’ specialists such as Sarah Baker of the University of Exeter, Douglas Kelley of the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Robin Pakeman of the James Hutton Institute, Cathy Smith of the University of London, Andreas Heinemeyer from the University of York and Tia Crouch of The National Trust.
The impressive line-up of speakers, researchers and resilience experts was announced this week by the conference host, The Scottish Wildfire Forum, together with event facilitators The Heather Trust.
To be held at P&J Live on 12 and 13 November, day one will focus on the global perspective regarding wildfire and its mitigation, while day two will centre around tackling these issues in the UK. Break-out sessions will be held over the course of the two-day event allowing delegates to benefit from a wealth of interesting talks and interactive discussion. Exhibitors, poster submissions, a dinner and pre-conference site visit will add to the highly anticipated event which is already attracting delegates from around the globe.
Still to be announced is the Scottish Government minister who will officially open the conference which will explore the theme of “Resilience in a Changing World”. The conference will acknowledge the challenges (and opportunities) that the climate emergency, land use change, emerging science and the behaviours, expectations and attitudes of the public bring to an already complex situation.
The event is expected to draw in 300 delegates who will come from a diversity of backgrounds and interest groups and will appeal not just to firefighters, but also land managers, regulatory and enforcement agencies, academics, environmental groups, community leaders, planners and more.
More information on the programme can be found here: https://wildfire2024.co.uk/programme
ENDS
For more information, contact:
Katrina Candy – katrina.candy@heathertrust.co.uk; 07776 857222
Archive
Previous press releases
From daffodil bulbs to northern lights – the charity auction that offers it all
THE HEATHER TRUST – the UK’s foremost charity dedicated to the promotion of sustainable, resilient moorlands – is calling all potential bidders to register now for its annual charity auction which goes live on Friday 5th April.
The auction is a set piece in the charity’s calendar and has raised thousands of pounds for the Trust’s vital work in championing our magnificent moorlands.
An exciting catalogue is guaranteed again this year with Lots to suit a wide variety of interests, and budgets.
“It’s quite incredible the variety of Lots we have very fortunately been donated,” said Katrina Candy, Director of The Heather Trust.
“There are excellent opportunities to bag yourself superb holidays such as a luxury adventure trip to Iceland to really immerse yourself in the country’s untamed beauty including (hopefully) the northern lights, or four nights in an opulent palazzo apartment in Venice. We have also been given an incredible opportunity for four people to go on safari in Botswana with celebrated wildlife artist Ashley Boon.
“Of course, alongside the foreign adventures, we have home-grown sporting Lots across the UK, from hind stalking in Easter Ross to roe stalking in Northumberland – and plenty of fishing in between. And we have some real money-can’t-buy donations like original works of art, signed books and a superb Hunt it-Cook it-Eat it experience in the North Pennines.
“These Lots are all mixed in with fine wines, Gaelic gins, books, clays pigeon shooting, golf, daffodil bulbs and, of course, heather seed. It’s such an eclectic mix, you really must have a look!”
The dynamic auction catalogue is being updated with new entries right up until the auction go-live date of Friday 5th April but you can view it now and register to bid. Bidding is then live right through to Sunday 21st April.
You can register to bid here: https://auction.heathertrust.co.uk/
ENDS
Caption – From holidays in Geodesic domes in Iceland to a cottage in the Scottish Highlands to Hemmingway-tyle tents in Botswana – the Heather Trust 2024 Country Market and Sporting Sale catalogue is bursting with Lots to suit all tastes and budgets.
For more information, contact:
Katrina Candy – katrina.candy@heathertrust.co.uk; 07776 857222 (media)
Eppie Sprung – eppie.sprung@heathertrust.co.uk (auction)
The Heather Trust:
The Heather Trust’s beneficiaries are those that benefit from resilient, sustainable heather moorland and associated environments. In its broadest terms this is the population of Great Britain and its visitors, since well managed moors will provide public goods such as carbon storage, water management – both quality and flood risk management, rich, diverse and unique plant and animal communities, and recreational opportunities which benefit physical and mental wellbeing. It will also provide rural communities with employment opportunities either through direct management of the moorland or in associated industries such as tourism and recreation, which aids community cohesion and resilience, ensuring our much-loved moorlands and uplands continue to be places for people as well as nature.
Thus, The Heather Trust wishes to see sustainable, resilient moorlands for the benefit of everyone.
To help make this vision a reality, our mission is to develop and promote sustainable, resilient moorlands through facilitation and collaboration; engagement and representation; education and demonstration based on research, experience and best practice.
The importance of Wildfire2024: The UK Wildfire Conference
ABERDEEN is hosting an international event this November dedicated to wildfires and how, as a global community, we can better prevent, plan and recover from the growing and devastating threat of wildfires and their wider consequences.
To be held at P&J Live conference centre on 12 and 13 November, the UK Wildfire Conference is a globally-significant event which will explore the theme of “Resilience in a Changing World”. The conference will acknowledge the challenges that changing climate and the behaviours, expectations and attitudes of the public bring to an already complex situation.
With catastrophic wildfires wreaking havoc in Australia and Chile this February, there is a call for innovative and collaborative approaches to address the growing threat. However, organisers are keen to stress that wildfires are not just a risk to overseas communities. The spate of wildfires across Scotland from March to June 2023 - including many in the Scottish Highlands (Glenluig / Moidart – 3,500ha; Cannich – 1,100ha; Moy 132ha) involved hundreds of firefighters, gamekeepers, foresters and other estate staff and helicopters to tackle the blazes which generated plumes of smoke that were detected by Nasa satellites in space.
At the time of writing, wildfires are sweeping across dry grass in Texas, forcing evacuation of the USA’s main nuclear weapons facility.
Drawing in speakers, researchers and resilience experts from across the UK and internationally, the UK Wildfire Conference aims to inform and inspire the expected 300 delegates who will come from a diversity of backgrounds and interest groups.
Conference host The Scottish Wildfire Forum, together with event facilitators The Heather Trust, are ensuring the content will appeal not just to firefighters, but also land managers, regulatory and enforcement agencies, academics, environmental groups, community leaders, planners and more.
Michael Bruce, Vice-Chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum said:
“The Forum was established at a wildfire conference held in Aberdeen in 2004 - almost 20 years ago - after a difficult wildfire season in 2003. In fact, that season included the largest recorded wildfire in the UK – a 7,000ha blaze at Ardnamurchan.
“In this anniversary year, we are honoured to host the 2024 conference that showcases the significant improvements in prevention, preparedness and response techniques that land managers and fire services are implementing across the world to improve resilience, in the face of increasing threats from wildfires in the UK.”
Katrina Candy, Director of The Heather Trust and Chair of the UK Wildfire Conference 2024 Steering Group said:
“Wildfires impact so many communities across the world, bringing with it devastation to both humans and wider biodiversity. A collaborative approach with sustainable objectives is key to building resilience. This autumn’s flagship event provides a platform for high calibre speakers, knowledge exchange and connectivity to progress research and translate that into positive action.”
More information and ticket purchasing is here: Wildfire2024
ENDS
Caption – Wildfires occurred in many locations across the UK in 2023, some of which were close to urban fringes.
For more information, contact:
Katrina Candy – katrina.candy@heathertrust.co.uk; 07776 857222
The Heather Trust appoints Katrina Candy as their new Director
THE HEATHER TRUST – the UK’s foremost charity dedicated to the promotion of sustainable, resilient moorlands – is delighted to announce the appointment of Katrina Candy as their new Director.
Katrina joins the Trust following eight years with Bidwells property consultants as Head of Communications (Scotland), prior to which she was Head of PR & Education with the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust for 13 years.
Katrina will bring a wealth of experience in journalism, public relations, strategic communications, business development and education combined with a great love and understanding of the uplands. Based in Perthshire, she will support the Trust both in Scotland and on all moorland matters that extend across the UK.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the Trust as it embarks upon a number of new initiatives that aim to raise awareness of the importance of our UK moorlands at a time of climatic, political and managerial change.
“I’m looking forward to working with the very focussed team at The Heather Trust to enhance appreciation, deliver impactful events and meaningful research into our iconic moorland landscapes,” said Katrina who is a Chartered PR Practitioner.
“We cannot underestimate the importance of these habitats for economic, social and of course environmental reasons which are now being viewed through a sharpened natural capital lens.
“A collaborative approach with sustainable objectives is key to ensuring resilient moorlands for the benefit of all. One of the main areas of focus in 2024 will be the delivery of the UK Wildfire Conference in Aberdeen in November. This flagship event, will attract delegates, sponsors, industry experts, scientists and thought leaders from all over the world and will be an excellent opportunity to share and learn as we face the global climate emergency.”
Katrina’s interest in the environment and education extends beyond work, having published a number of children’s books about conservation and land management.
Notes - Katrina is originally from Perth and grew up in Montrose. Prior to her new appointment, she worked with Bidwells' property consultants, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, the John Lewis Partnership and DC Thomson.
For more information, contact: Katrina Candy – katrina.candy@heathertrust.co.uk; 07776 857222
Anne Gray steps down as Director after five years with the Heather Trust
Director, Anne Gray, has decided to move on from the Heather Trust.
Anne has worked for the Heather Trust since 2018, providing subject matter expertise to further the interests of moorland and heading up the Trust’s work with Scotland’s Moorland Forum, as well as attending numerous committees and interest groups on the Trust’s behalf.
Anne leaves the Trust to take up a post with the Environment Bank, where she will be working on biodiversity net gain.
Viv Gill, Chair of the Heather Trust, commented;
“We are delighted for Anne as she prepares to start her new role, but nevertheless keenly aware that her experience and skilful navigation of sometimes contentious moorland issues will be much missed. Anne has been particularly helpful in ensuring that my transition into the role of Chair has been smooth, and I think I speak for us all when I say I have very much enjoyed working with her. I wish her all the best.”
The Heather Trust is now in the process of recruiting a new Director. The position is being advertised at https://www.heathertrust.co.uk/work-for-us. In the interim, the wealth of expertise on the Trust’s Board, its skilled staff and its close relationships with other subject matter experts mean that the Trust will be able to continue its mission with momentum - working towards sustainable, resilient moorland for the benefit of everyone.