Burning garden & farm waste
In summer, banned (high-risk season)
As a general rule, from 1 July to 30 September (high-danger season) you cannot burn agricultural or forest waste. The dates can be extended depending on the weather risk.
The rest of the year: notify or get a permit
To burn agricultural waste (prunings, stubble) you must notify at least 2 days in advance. For stacked forest waste you need authorization. Burning is automatically banned on days of very high or extreme risk.
Basic safety rules
- Keep the minimum distances to woodland and homes set by the authorization.
- Never burn in wind or on alert days.
- Keep water and tools to hand and never leave the fire until it's fully out.
Alternatives to burning
Burning isn't the only option: pruning waste can be shredded as mulch, composted, or taken to the council recycling point. Less smoke, less fire risk and better soil for the garden.
Apply & check
Dates, risk levels and requirements can change: always confirm at the official source (or by calling 012) before burning. If a fire gets out of control, call 112.