Natural England

In a powerful column for the Daily Mail, Lord Botham warns that the UK is facing its worst wildfire season on record - and that government policy is making it worse.

Upland communities face significant challenges and have serious concerns regarding moorland management and conservation, often feeling that their traditional ways of life and local expertise are being overlooked.

There has been a steep 73% reduction in fuel load management on our moors since 2021 which has greatly exacerbated the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

We sent this letter to The Guardian in response to their piece - 'The place is bleached, a dead zone’: how the UK’s most beloved landscapes became biodiversity deserts.

Our moorlands are facing an ever-growing threat: devastating wildfires, and the situation is made worse by government policies, notably those influenced by Natural England.

The letter emphasizes our concerns regarding the deterioration of the relationship between the countryside and Natural England.

According to Natural England's own Key Performance Indicators it has missed core targets, faltered on key environmental metrics, and revealed a culture of persistent underperformance.

During the recent debate on the future of driven grouse shooting, several Members of Parliament expressed concerns regarding Natural England's advice and its perceived impact on grouse shooting.

Moorlands are vital parts of our landscape, but they face a growing threat: devastating wildfires. These fires aren't just a natural phenomenon; they're heavily influenced by how we manage the land.