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Crop Burning

A summary of the Crop Residues (Burning) Regulations 1993

Farmers are prohibited from burning

  • Cereal straw
  • Cereal stubble
  • Residues of Oil Seed Rape, Field Beans or Peas

Unless for the following purposes 

  • Education and research
  • Disease control / elimination of pests
  • The disposal of straw stack remains or broken bales

If the above crop residues, or any linseed residues are to be burned (linseed residues are not prohibited) then the following criteria must be met :-

No Burning

  • One hour before sunset until sunrise.
  • Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holiday.
  • Within 150m of any other residue burning.
  • Within 5m of any tree trunk, hedge, fence, telegraph pole or pylon (15m for prohibited crops)
  • Within 15m of any residential or thatched building, standing crop, haystack, oil/gas installation.
  • Within 100m of a motorway, dual carriageway, a road or railway

In Addition

  • All persons concerned must be familiar with regulations and supervision must be given by at least 2 responsible adults.
  • A 5m wide Fire Break must surround area to be burned (10m for prohibited crops)
  • At least a 1000 litres of water must be on site.
  • At least 5 fire beating implements must be on site.
  • All associated vehicles must have fire extinguishers.
  • Notice must be given between 1 and 24 hours before burning to:
    1.  Environmental Health Department
    2.  Occupiers of adjacent premises
    3.  Air traffic control if an aerodrome is within 800m
    4.  Local Fire Department

Contact

Email: envprotection@dover.gov.uk