Farmer explains controlled burning of landscape

A local farmer has been speaking about the importance of controlled burning as a way of managing the Manx countryside

A supervised heath fire in the south of the Island got out of control yesterday morning.

Fire crews from Port Erin and Douglas were called to land above Ballakillowey by the owner, when the blaze spread to neighbouring areas.

Speaking live on Mandate today, farmer and Countryside presenter John Kennaugh explained the purpose of the practice: (play audio)

Anyone planning to carry out controlled burning on their land has until the end of March to do so, and must inform the fire service in advance.

The Heath Burning Code can be found via the government's website, gov.im