Wildfires

How UK policies restricting controlled burns are creating tinderbox moorlands and what the science says about preventing catastrophic wildfires.

Scientific research confirms what experienced land managers have long known - older, taller heather burns hotter and faster. Understanding fuel load helps ensure safer, more effective controlled burning on Britain’s moorlands.

A summary of a comprehensive study on how fuel, weather, and management influence fire behaviour and regeneration on Britain’s heather moorlands.

Farmers, firefighters, and volunteers joined forces to battle the vast Langdale Moor wildfire, saving homes and uniting the North York Moors community.

Controlled burning protects moorlands from catastrophic wildfires, safeguards carbon-rich peat, and supports wildlife, evidence shows it’s a vital, science-based tool.

The UK’s 2025 wildfires burned 46,000 hectares and released 1.3 million tonnes of CO₂, equal to 890,000 cars, turning peatlands from carbon sinks into carbon sources.

Wildfires are driving a surge in deaths across the US through toxic air pollution. New research highlights why preventing large fires through active land management is vital.

As Britain faces record wildfires, reports from The Times, The Guardian, and The Spectator show how policy failures risk worsening the nation’s wildfire crisis.

79% of wildfire responders at Carrbridge & Dava had controlled burning experience, showing how traditional moorland management strengthens fire preparedness.

New research shows UK wildfire risk is rising sharply as vegetation dries in sync, exposing Defra’s failure to act on science and rethink peatland policy.

The Wildlife Trusts wrongly claimed that 68% of upland wildfires are caused by managed burns. The real figure is closer to 5–10%. Here’s why accuracy matters.

Wildlife groups misrepresented Natural England’s evidence on moorland burning, overstating harm and ignoring uncertainty. Our analysis exposes how Defra was misled.