Written questions

Peatlands

Commons · Question 106306 · Tabled 16 Jan 2026 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Official record

Answered 23 Jan 2026

Question

Asked by Sammy Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of unmanaged vegetation fuel loads on upland peatland and the severity of wildfires.

Answer

Answered by Mary Creagh, 23 Jan 2026

Healthy peatlands do not require active vegetation management such as burning or cutting. There is clear scientific evidence that burning is particularly damaging, as it degrades peatland conditions, undermines restoration and increases long-term vulnerab...