Wildfires: Why They’re Becoming More Common and How We’re Increasing Landscape Resilience
For many years, wildfires felt like a problem affecting other parts of the world. Not anymore.
In recent weeks, we’ve seen fires reported across Greater Manchester, Derbyshire, North Wales, and much closer to home on Darwen Moor near one of our project sites. As another heatwave grips much of the country, it’s becoming increasingly clear that wildfires are no longer unusual events in the UK.
Even in Lancashire, one of the wettest counties in England, prolonged periods of hot, dry weather are leaving our landscapes more vulnerable to fire.
As our climate changes, many experts expect hotter, drier summers to become more common. That means understanding wildfire risk, and what we can do about it, is becoming increasingly important.
Why are wildfires becoming more common?
Wildfires need three things:
- Dry vegetation to burn
- A source of ignition
- Suitable weather conditions
During prolonged dry spells, grass, heather, bracken and peat can all become highly combustible. A single discarded cigarette, a disposable barbecue, an abandoned campfire, or even the sun shining on a piece of littered glass can provide the spark needed to start a fire.
Once established, strong winds and dry conditions can allow fires to spread rapidly across the landscape.
Many habitats that have historically remained damp for much of the year are now experiencing longer periods without significant rainfall, increasing the risk of wildfire.
The impact on wildlife
Wildfires can devastate habitats in a matter of hours.
During spring and summer, many species are nesting, breeding, or raising their young. Fires can destroy:
- insect habitat and food sources
- ground-nesting bird nests and chicks
- reptile refuges
- amphibian habitats
- small mammal populations
Even species that escape the flames can struggle afterwards as food, shelter, and breeding habitats disappear.
Some habitats can recover relatively quickly, but others take decades.
Why peatland fires are especially damaging
Peatlands are one of our most important habitats.
Healthy peat stores huge amounts of carbon, filters water, slows the flow of rainfall through the landscape, and provides habitat for a range of specialist plants and animals.
But when peat dries out, it becomes much more vulnerable to fire.
Unlike grass fires that burn vegetation on the surface, peat fires can smoulder underground for days or even weeks, releasing large amounts of stored carbon (which itself drives climate change) and causing long-term damage to the habitat.
Recovery can take decades.
The impact on farming and local communities
Wildfires don’t just affect wildlife. They also cause significant damage to farmland.
From the loss of high-value crops such as wheat and barley to impacts on livestock health, the consequences can be extensive. It also destroys infrastructure such as fences, which need to be replaced. These effects don’t just threaten farmers’ livelihoods; they also affect us all through reduced food security and rising food prices as production declines.
These losses affect rural businesses and can contribute to wider pressures on food production.
Wildfires can also affect local communities, especially rural communities through:
- poor air quality
- road closures
- pressure on emergency services
- damage to property and infrastructure
The impacts often extend far beyond the area directly affected by the fire.
What are we doing to help?
Much of our work focuses on helping the landscape hold onto water for longer.
Although these projects are often designed to reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and support wildlife, they can also help build resilience to drought and wildfire.
Wetlands
Wetlands act like natural sponges, holding water in the landscape and helping maintain soil moisture during dry periods. Some firefighters have used wetlands on Darwen Moor to fight wildfires.
Natural Flood Management
Features such as leaky dams help slow the movement of water through the catchment, increasing opportunities for water to soak into the ground and keeping the ground wetter for longer- even into summer.
Peatland Restoration
Healthy peatland remains wetter throughout the year. By restoring degraded peat habitats, we’re helping lock water into the landscape, making it harder for fires to start and spread. Put simply: wet landscapes are less likely to burn. And if a fire does occur, wetter ground can help limit how far and how quickly it spreads.
How you can help
Fortunately, preventing many wildfires is surprisingly simple. If you’re spending time outdoors during hot, dry weather:
- Follow the Countryside Code
- Never use disposable barbecues in the countryside
- Don’t light campfires
- Dispose of cigarettes responsibly
- Take litter home, especially glass bottles and reflective materials
- Report fires immediately by calling 999
Small actions can make a huge difference.
Protect the Landscapes you love
Wildfire risk is likely to become a growing challenge for both people and wildlife.
But by restoring natural habitats, holding more water in the landscape, and acting responsibly when we enjoy the countryside, we can help reduce that risk.
You can support our work by making a one off or recurring donation.
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