Skip to main content

Written question asked by Phil Brickell (Labour) on Friday, 2 May 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 May 2025. It was answered by Mary Creagh (Labour) on Thursday, 15 May 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Fires: Pennines

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to mitigate against wild fires on the West Pennine Moors.

Answer

I was concerned to see there was a wildfire last month in part of the hon. Member’s constituency, at Longworth Road.

Defra encourages landowners and land managers to adopt good quality wildfire management plans and use sustainable methods to manage habitat, such as restoring peatlands. Evidence shows that wetter, healthy-functioning peatlands are more resilient to the impacts of wildfire.

We are currently consulting on proposed changes to The Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) Regulations 2021, which would extend protections to a broader area of upland peat. The consultation is open until 25 May.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
49986
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Fires Pennines
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk