National Parks England press release:
Two major National Park wildfires in England this summer affected an area of threatened habitats three times the size of Hyde Park
National Parks England welcomes new commitments to firefighting capability, resilience measures, local restrictions as well as funding for peatland restoration
Threat of wildfire is no longer a ‘seasonal’ issue with risks from early spring through until autumn every year, exacerbated by climate change
National Parks England welcomes Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s commitments to action at the first ‘Wildfires Summit’ held in Liverpool today (Friday 23 October).
The confirmation of new support including the use of military helicopters, £25m for a new Peatland Restoration Grant Scheme and additional financial support for farmers to fireproof their land comes after major incidents in the Peak District and New Forest National Parks this summer impacted a combined area more than three times the size of Hyde Park, affecting internationally important peat uplands and heathland.
The Peak District National Park alone recorded over 34 wildfires in 2026, with major incidents affecting key cross-Pennine transport routes and creating smoke-related issues for local communities. York and North Yorkshire, including the North York Moors National Park, saw a similar number of wildfires, set against an overall doubling of fire call-outs year-on-year.
National Parks in England have been at the forefront of the increased impacts of wildfire, due to both the extent of habitats that are often at greatest risk, as well as the huge popularity of these landscapes. The 15 UK National Parks have agreed a joint position on our approach to managing wildfires, highlighting the important role of National Park Management Plans in driving co-ordinated action on wildfire.
In the light of the Prime Minister’s commitment to develop England’s Wildfire Action Plan, National Parks England calls on the government to:
- Provide more support for the establishment of regional fire operations forums which provide a framework for bringing stakeholders, including emergency services, landowners, local authorities and National Park Authorities together.
- Urge the government to put tougher local and product restrictions in place, recognising that seasonal or temporary bans on the retail sale of disposable BBQs are not sufficient in addressing the risk from wildfires.
Tom Hind, Chief Executive of the North York Moors National Park, who attended the summit, said: ‘I’m heartened by the significant steps forward announced by the Prime Minister today in tackling this very real and present threat to our most treasured of landscapes.
‘This should start with reducing the likelihood of ignition. Whilst we want people to enjoy National Parks, it’s also vital we inform and educate around the risks from activities such as campfires, portable barbecues, fireworks and discarded cigarettes, alongside any legislative role from the government.
‘Seasonal restrictions on items like disposable barbeques have been effective in some National Parks, but the risk is increasingly year-round. The temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbeques announced by the Prime Minister in August was very welcome as it sent a clear signal, but a permanent ban would be better for our National Parks.
‘The way that land is managed in National Parks and National Landscapes is key to reducing the risk of wildfire. We need more resilient ecosystems to meet our multiple climate challenges. This means using a range of tools where appropriate from re-wetting, to peatland restoration, strategic firebreaks through cutting and burning as well as pond construction. We also need to grow more structural diversity into our landscapes so they become less combustible.
‘We can only do this by working with farmers and other land managers, rewarding and incentivising them to manage land for nature and climate resilience.’
Debbie Stockwell, Executive Director of National Parks England said: ‘National Parks England is committed to working with the government to shape the England Wildfire Action Plan, and with the wider UK National Parks to ensure a coordinated approach across the UK, demonstrating the vital role National Parks play as part of the country’s critical national infrastructure.’
Paul Walton, Director of Partnerships and Delivery at the New Forest National Park Authority said: ‘We welcome the national focus on wildfires. With partners we are learning from the experiences this summer and are working together on the actions needed to reduce the risk of future wildfires and ensure our communities are prepared.’
Notes to editors
- National Parks England is the representative organisation for the 10 National Parks in England, each of which is managed by an individual National Park Authority. NPE works across government and with stakeholders to ensure the role of National Parks is recognised and to shape and implement policies that deliver the government’s objectives.
- The Future of our National Parks, published in July 2026 sets out National Parks England’s vision for National Parks and our role as part of the nation’s critical national infrastructure.
- National Parks in England work collectively with the 15 UK National Parks on cross cutting issues such as wildfire. A position statement from the UK National Parks was published in October 2026: https://nationalparks.uk/wildfire-statement/
- National Parks Partnership is a UK-wide company that builds bespoke, purpose-driven collaboration between businesses and the 15 UK National Parks. The government press release highlighted the vital partnership between VodafoneThree and UK National Parks, including a new wildfire resilience programme in the Cairngorms National Park.