Written questions

Peatlands: Controlled Burning

Commons · Question 108250 · Tabled 26 Jan 2026 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Official record

Answered 2 Feb 2026

Question

Asked by Victoria Atkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has assessed the potential impact of the Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 on the number of wildfires, including their incide

Answer

Answered by Mary Creagh, 2 Feb 2026

Burning is damaging to peatlands and can increase their long-term vulnerability to wildfires, while wetter, healthy-functioning peatlands are more resilient to the impacts of wildfire. In developing the Amendments to The Heather and Grass etc. Burning (En...