Gamekeepers reduce wildfire risks in North Yorkshire

Research on Moorland Management and Wildfire Prevention

The research was led by retired academic Professor Simon Denny and featured in a Fieldsports Channel podcast. It highlights how active moorland management by gamekeepers helps protect upland areas across North Yorkshire and the Pennines from severe wildfires.

The report follows recent major fires in the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, and Pennines, which raised concerns about wildfire risks during prolonged dry spells. Gamekeepers carry out year-round monitoring, vegetation control, and controlled burning. These actions reduce the build-up of dry, flammable material on moorland.

The report notes that unmanaged moors can experience wildfires that burn deep into peat soils. This releases stored carbon, destroys habitats, and leaves the land damaged for decades. In contrast, managed moorland tends to have smaller, more controllable fires, or none at all.

The report also emphasizes other environmental benefits of managed uplands. These include support for ground-nesting birds, biodiversity, water catchment protection, and the preservation of landscapes that support tourism, farming, and rural jobs.

The findings are especially relevant to communities living near moorland. Wildfires threaten not only wildlife but also homes, infrastructure, and public safety. Advocates of managed moorland believe the report provides valuable scientific evidence for ongoing debates about land use, conservation, and climate resilience in the uplands.