FAQs: England's Moorland Wildfire Risk
- Rob Beeson
- Jan 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 4
Below is a summary of the key points made in the letter we recently sent to the Home Secretary outlining the risk of devastating wildfires engulfing our moorlands due to Natural England’s restrictions on managing vegetation.
Why is Natural England being criticised in relation to this risk?
How do climate change factors contribute to the wildfire risk?
What are the potential consequences of these catastrophic wildfires?
What is the significance of winter burning (muirburn) in moorland management?
What actions are being recommended to mitigate the wildfire risk?
What is the role of rewilding in the context of the wildfire issue?
What is the main concern regarding England's moorlands?
The primary concern is the dramatically increased risk of catastrophic wildfires on England's moorlands. This risk stems from a significant buildup of vegetation (fuel load) due to restrictions imposed by Natural England on traditional land management practices such as controlled winter burning and mowing. The increased fuel load, combined with climate change factors, is creating conditions ripe for intense, uncontrollable wildfires.
Why is Natural England being criticised in relation to this risk?
Natural England is being criticised for implementing policies that have restricted the removal of excess vegetation on moorlands. Specifically, the agency has been restricting controlled burning. This restriction has led to a substantial increase in the amount of flammable vegetation, effectively adding fuel to the fire risk. Critics argue that Natural England's focus on micro-management and ideological opposition to grouse shooting have prevented effective, broad-scale wildfire prevention. They also state that Natural England has misled ministers on the causes of fires like the Saddleworth fire.
How do climate change factors contribute to the wildfire risk?
Climate change is significantly exacerbating the wildfire risk through several mechanisms. Firstly, relative humidity has dropped, causing vegetation to dry out more quickly, making it more flammable. Additionally, warmer and wetter winters promote vegetation growth, increasing the available fuel load. These conditions combined with drier summers, mean the risk of wildfires is higher and that, according to one report, high-risk days for wildfires in the UK could quadruple by 2080.
What are the potential consequences of these catastrophic wildfires?
The consequences of such wildfires are severe and far-reaching. They include the release of harmful pollutants like lead and cadmium into the air, causing breathing difficulties and potential long-term health issues. There is also the risk of the release of significant quantities of carbon from burning peat, contributing to climate change. Experts also warn that these fires will be too intense for fire services to control, increasing risk of property damage, injury and death.
What is the significance of winter burning (muirburn) in moorland management?
Winter burning, also known as muirburn, is a traditional method of controlled burning to manage vegetation. It creates firebreaks by reducing the fuel load and preventing the build-up of old, dry vegetation. Critics argue that Natural England's restrictions on this practice have directly contributed to the increased wildfire risk, with experts stating that controlled burning is the most effective way of managing vegetation and reducing fuel load.
How does the current situation in England compare to other regions that have experienced severe wildfires, like California or Greece?
The situation in England is increasingly similar to places like California, Greece and Australia, where large fuel loads and climate change have driven catastrophic fires. In California, a policy failure to remove excess vegetation contributed to large wildfires, and it is argued that in England, a similar but deliberate policy failure is now creating the conditions for a major fire. Experts have warned that England could see the emergence of pyrocumulus clouds and firestorms, as seen in Southern Europe, creating unpredictable and dangerous fires.
What actions are being recommended to mitigate the wildfire risk?
The primary recommendation is for the government to immediately instruct Natural England to allow unfettered preventative licenses for traditional vegetation management techniques, particularly controlled winter burning, and that the government should ensure licenses are granted promptly. It is also urged that the government should ensure that rural fuel loads are reduced to safe levels by passing legislation. It has also been recommended that Natural England and Defra should employ in-house wildfire experts.
What is the role of rewilding in the context of the wildfire issue?
Rewilding, which typically involves allowing natural processes to shape the landscape, can increase wildfire risk by allowing fuel loads to increase naturally as vegetation grows. It is argued that the focus on rewilding, coupled with policies that hinder traditional land management practices, contribute to the creation of higher fuel loads and therefore a greater fire risk.
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