Michael Gove accused of letting wealthy grouse moor owners off the hook

Papers show UK environment secretary suggested owners voluntarily end controversial practice of burning heather to head off threat of compulsory ban

Michael Gove, the environment secretary, has been accused of letting the owners of large grouse moors who are alleged to be damaging the environment off the hook.

The accusation from campaigners concerns the owners' practice of repeatedly burning heather on their moorland estates to help boost the numbers of grouse for shooting.