Mitigating wildfires

Peak District Moorland Group

A busy week around moorland habitat discussions involving multiple stakeholders, world acclaimed wildfire experts and policy makers.

Thankfully the weather was kind to us and our 3 site visits ticked all of the boxes with regard to what is happening on the ground as opposed to the perceived utopia from a computer model.

Then one estate team managed to share knowledge and experience on prescribed burning to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) tactical burn team.

Simulated training is fine, but real experience is invaluable - nobody should be thrown into learning in a catastrophic summer wildfire situation, part of the reason prescribed burning needs to be retained is to know how moorland fires work…

The risk of wildfire is sadly inevitable, all forms of vegetation management is essential for sustainable habitats with workable wildfire mitigation in place.