Using imagery from the AVHRR 3·8 μm channel on the NOAA-Series of satellites we have examined the national extent of straw and stubble burning across Great Britain in the summer of 1984 and found 300-400 burning fields on a typical midweek day. We have also investigated the adherence of fanners to a Voluntary Code of Practice restricting burning at weekends and Bank Holidays and conclude that, from the data we have examined, it is being respected reasonably well with exceptions of about 5 per cent