Again, my thanks for bringing more information to the fore. The literature contains this qualified comment in a side-box:
"Potential tensions
Burning can produce tensions
between those that carry
out the burning and some
conservationists. This is largely
to do with the time of year that
the burning is carried out. With
global warming the seasons
have started to shift and spring
is commencing sooner than
ever. This means that the end
of the burning season coincides
with the start of the bird
nesting season and can also
have an impact on reptiles such
as the smooth snake which is
a protected species".

It is my prerogative to remain in the Unconvinced camp.