Short answer - yes. Those of us with large acreages of heather (not now, but on previous farms) burn it on a regular cycle if it becomes overgrown - 12 years appears to be the average cycle from those I have known. Where sheep graze regularly, the heather is kept to a manageable height and may not need to be burnt.

WARNING. Do not chop it off to ground level as you would asparagus in winter. Rather trim it and try to encourage some basal growth. It needs leaves to survive, but with some TLC you should succeed. Old McDonald.

As a single specimen, I think you would be much happier with a fresh new plant. Trim it regularly to stop it expanding too fast.

I have just read a recent post which makes the point that people often fail to say thank you when given good advice on this site. I then realised that this applies to me!
So thanks for the advice given about my heather which after having a good trim and lots of pampering is looking great. Thanks to others for answers to previous queries also. Its always good to be able to ask questions from those who know more than I do.