Gorse fires in rural Ireland

Last Friday was the last day when Irish farmers could legally burn gorse on their land until the new season opens in September. Following a change to the law some years ago, which reduced the burning season, farmers burning gorse land from now until the season opens will be liable to prosecution. I spent time in the Derrynasaggert Mountains close to Killarney, last Friday witnessing some gorse fires and hearing about local tensions.