Heather cutting is a technique for maintaining and rejuvenating moorland vegetation by mower, flail, swipe or similar equipment.

Machinery may be used to create a mosaic, or pattern, of different-aged heather for improved feeding value and shelter for farm livestock, deer, grouse and other moorland animals.

Cutting is not suited to every terrain and moorland managers should consider whether their objectives could be achieved by alternative means.

This guidance aims to allow moorland managers to make informed decisions about how best to manage vegetation using cutting on its own, or in conjunction with burning.