National Parks UK joint press release:
National Park Authorities across the UK have agreed a new shared position on wildfire management, committing to stronger planning, partnership working and public engagement to help tackle the growing threat of wildfires.
The new position statement, agreed through the UK National Parks Wildfire Group, comes as climate change increases wildfire risk across the country and follows one of the most significant wildfire seasons experienced in recent years.
Wildfires threaten our homes, lives and livelihoods, and cause devastation to nature and wildlife. Those tasked with putting out the blaze put themselves at risk to protect all of us.
The impacts can also carry a significant financial cost. The Saddleworth Moor wildfire in 2018 cost many millions of pounds in firefighting and environmental damage, while the Dava Moor fire of 2025 affected more than 10,000 hectares, making them the largest wildfire event ever recorded in the UK.
National Parks are already experiencing changing weather patterns, with warmer temperatures and longer periods of dry conditions increasing the likelihood of wildfires. Future climate projections indicate that this trend is expected to continue.
Through the new position statement, all UK National Park Authorities have committed to:
- Including wildfire management within National Park Plans as they are reviewed.
- Having an Integrated Wildfire Management Plan.
- Ensuring every National Park Authority has an identified wildfire lead.
- Strengthening public communications around wildfire prevention.
- Sharing expertise and best practice through the UK National Parks Wildfire Group.
The statement also recognises the important role of partnership working between National Park Authorities, land managers, fire and rescue services, farmers, conservation organisations and local communities.
Grant Moir, Chair of the UK National Parks Wildfire Group, said: ‘Wildfires are becoming an increasingly significant challenge for all of us, and for our National Parks.
‘No single organisation can tackle this challenge alone. The strength of this position statement is that it brings together National Park Authorities across the UK behind a shared approach focused on prevention, preparedness and partnership working.
‘By acting together now, we can help build more resilient landscapes, reduce wildfire risk and better protect these special places for future generations.’#
National Park Authorities play a strategic leadership role, working with partners and landowners to reduce wildfire risk, improve preparedness and support landscape recovery following wildfire events.
The position statement highlights the importance of nature recovery measures, including peatland restoration and woodland creation, while recognising the need to manage fire risk during the transition to more resilient landscapes.
Alongside these actions, Park Authorities continue to encourage responsible visitor behaviour, particularly during periods of elevated wildfire risk.
Find out more: https://nationalparks.uk/wildfire-statement/
Notes to editor
- The UK National Parks Wildfire Group brings together representatives from National Park Authorities across the UK.
- The Wildfire Management Position Statement has been endorsed by all 15 UK National Park Authorities.
- National Parks cover approximately 10% of the land area of the UK.
- Op’ed from Grant Moir, Chair of UK National Parks Wildfire Group has been attached.
- Northumberland National Park’s piece: a landscape approach to wildfire resilience – has also been attached.
Interview opportunities are available with:
- Grant Moir Chair, UK National Parks Wildfire Group (Contact pressoffice@cairngorms.co.uk)
- David Renwick, CEO, Northumberland National Park Authority (media@nnpa.org.uk)
Images:
A gallery of images and footage from this summer’s Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park is available for use only in connection with this story. All images must be correctly credited.
https://cairngorms.resourcespace.com?c=2185&k=f3cb766a21
About National Parks UK:
National Parks UK represents the UK’s 15 National Parks, bringing together National Park Authorities to champion their collective value and impact at a national level.
National Parks are living, working landscapes where people and nature come together. They are vital places for restoring nature, tackling climate change and supporting communities to thrive. Across England, Scotland and Wales, the National Park Authorities protect and enhance landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage; while improving access so more people can experience and enjoy the outdoors.
National Parks work with partners, communities and government to deliver practical solutions at scale. This includes restoring habitats, improving biodiversity and creating more opportunities for people to connect with nature and support their health and wellbeing.
National Parks are for everyone. They are places to explore, learn, work and live, and they play a crucial role in creating a fairer, greener and healthier future.
For more information, visit https://nationalparks.uk/
For information about the National Parks UK please contact the press office press@nationalparks.co.uk