PLUMES of smoke drifted over the Forest of Bowland on Sunday as estate staff carried out controlled burning of heather.

This picture, taken at the west side of the Trough of Bowland, shows workers using gas-powered igniters to set fire to bushes near the roadside.

Controlled burning of wild heather is used to stop the bushes from growing too long – shorter plants offer more nutrition for wildlife.

Roots survive unscathed despite the destruction of the visible part of the plants.

The practice is restricted to the autumn and spring when moisture in the ground stops fires from getting out of control.