Footage shows the burning of moorland in the UK as the grouse shooting season reaches its peak.

Heather was set alight in Wharfedale, West Yorkshire, in preparation for grouse shooting which continues until December 10 in some parts.

Shoots normally take place in moorlands in Scotland, northern England, and Wales, with the pheasant shooting season starting on October 1, although some areas start as early as August 12.

Routine burning, which is permitted from October, is done on moorlands to burn older heather and make way for younger heather to grow.

The younger heather contains nutrients that attract grouse and makes them easier targets for hunters.

The act has condemned by many environmental advocates claiming that the preparation harms the environment.

Research by the University of Leeds also shows burning grouse moors degrades peatland habitat, releases climate-altering gases, reduces biodiversity, and increases flood risk.

Luke Steele from the campaign group 'Ban Bloodsports on Yorkshire's Moors' called on the British government to ban the practice of burning moorland.

He said: ''It's 2020. It's past time to put an end to the burning of rare peatlands for grouse shooting.''

Footage shows the burning of moorland in the UK as the grouse shooting season reaches its peak.

Heather was set alight in Wharfedale, West Yorkshire, in preparation for grouse shooting which continued until December 10.

Shoots normally take place in moorlands in Scotland, northern England, and Wales, with the pheasant shooting season starting on October 1.

Routine burning, which is permitted from October, is done on moorlands to burn older heather and make way for younger heather to grow.

The younger heather contains nutrients that attracts grouse and makes them easier targets for hunters.

The act has condemned by many environmental advocates claiming that the preparation harms the environment.

Research by the University of Leeds also shows burning grouse moors degrades peatland habitat, releases climate-altering gases, reduces biodiversity, and increases flood risk.

Luke Steele from the campaign group 'Ban Bloodsports on Yorkshire's Moors' called on the British government to ban the practice of burning moorland.

He said: ''It's 2020. It's past time to put an end to the burning of rare peatlands for grouse shooting.''