A FIRE has broken out on Exmoor...

...But don't worry, it was started on purpose.

A team have been swaling (controlled burning of the moorland) on the hills.

Swaling has been carried out for hundreds of centuries, by farmers and land managers between October 1 and April 15 to encourage the regeneration of vegetation.

This controlled burning is governed by The Grass and Burning Regulations and whatever agreement exists between the landowner and Natural England.

According to Exmoor National Park, the burning is done "to ensure that Exmoor’s moorlands remain open, remote and relatively wild in character; that views are preserved, and strategically important areas of former moor and heath are managed in a way that restores their wilder landscape character".

These pictures have been sent in by Somerset Camera Club member Michael Stuckey of the swaling:

Somerset County Gazette: FIRE: Swaling on Exmoor. Pic: Michael Stuckey (Somerset Camera Club)

Somerset County Gazette: FIRE: Swaling on Exmoor. Pic: Michael Stuckey (Somerset Camera Club)

Somerset County Gazette: FIRE: Swaling on Exmoor. Pic: Michael Stuckey (Somerset Camera Club)

Somerset County Gazette: FIRE: Swaling on Exmoor. Pic: Michael Stuckey (Somerset Camera Club)