Wildfires and conservation

Wildfires are an increasing challenge across the UK, with significant impacts on people, communities, wildlife and the landscapes we all value. Recent fires across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have highlighted both the scale of the threat and the importance of working together to prevent, respond to and recover from these devastating events.

Extreme weather, caused by climate change, is increasing the scale, intensity, and frequency of wildfires both in the UK and globally.    

While warm weather increases the risk of a fire, the spark that starts a wildfire is almost always linked to activity by people. Discarded litter, disposable barbecues, campfires, fireworks and deliberate fire-setting can all ignite fires that spread rapidly.  

This means that, although the risks are growing, many wildfires remain preventable. Raising awareness, encouraging responsible behaviour and helping people understand the consequences of wildfires are all essential parts of the solution.

Climate change is nevertheless making the challenge more difficult. Rising temperatures are contributing to hotter, drier conditions and more frequent periods of prolonged heat. These conditions dry out vegetation and increase the likelihood that a small spark can become a large and destructive wildfire.    

Around the world, we are already seeing wildfires increase in scale, intensity and frequency, and the UK is not immune to these trends. In many places, the effects of climate change are compounded by the historic degradation of our landscapes, leaving them more vulnerable to fire than they would naturally be. 

This year, wildfires have burned across all four countries of the UK, including on some RSPB nature reserves.  

Sites such as Minsmere in Suffolk, Dove Stone in the Peak District and Abernethy in the Cairngorms have been badly affected, with dedicated RSPB teams working alongside Fire and Rescue Services, neighbouring land managers, local communities and other partners to respond.

These incidents demonstrate both the extraordinary efforts required to tackle wildfires and the strength of the partnerships needed to protect lives, livelihoods, homes, habitats and wildlife – particularly as many species are already on the brink. They have also shown the deep connection that communities have with these special places and the determination of people to help safeguard them.  

Across all our nature reserves, we have comprehensive, long‑established and regularly reviewed processes in place to help prevent fires, respond rapidly when they occur, and strengthen the long‑term resilience of the landscapes we care for.  

This summer's wildfires have been exceptionally large and damaging, driven by drought and prolonged heat exacerbated by climate change. While we work hard to reduce risk, it is important to recognise that wildfires can occur across a range of landscapes – from heathlands, grasslands and peatlands, to farmland, woodlands and areas close to homes and communities – particularly in hot, dry and windy conditions. 

As well as responding to wildfires when they occur, we believe there is an important long-term role for nature in reducing the risk of them happening and building resilience.  

Many UK landscapes have been altered over generations in ways that have left them ecologically degraded and more susceptible to fire. We believe that restoring natural processes and healthier ecosystems will help create landscapes that are better able to withstand extreme weather and recover from disturbance.  

For example, peatlands that have been drained and damaged are often more vulnerable to drying out and burning. By restoring these peatlands and raising water levels – a technique called ‘rewetting’ – we can help keep peat wet and reduce its susceptibility to fire.  

Wildfires are a growing environmental, climate and societal challenge that requires action from all of us – and not just when they are burning. Across every nature reserve, our priority remains to protect wildlife, safeguard landscapes, and work with partners and the public to reduce the risk and impact of wildfires.  

Preventing unnecessary ignitions, supporting emergency responses, restoring degraded landscapes and addressing the underlying drivers of climate change all have a role to play. By working together, we can help reduce wildfire risk, protect nature and communities, and build more resilient landscapes for the future.  

As we respond to recent wildfire events, we are also committed to learning from them. Wildfire risk is increasing across the UK and all land managers will need to continue adapting their prevention, preparedness and response approaches. We will continue to review our own experience, work with partners and experts, and apply the lessons learned to strengthen the resilience of the landscapes we manage.