Minister visits site of last summer’s blaze as recovery work continues
Nature Minister Mary Creagh has toured restoration works on Langdale Moor, the area near RAF Fylingdales that was at the epicentre of last summer’s Fylingdales wildfire. The restoration package, backed by more than £3 million of Government funding, is being led by the North York Moors National Park in partnership with the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and other organisations.
The wildfire reached a peak of about 10 square miles (25 sq km), and caused widespread damage to peatland habitats, paths and the wider moorland environment. The recovery project targets habitat repair and resilience measures intended to reduce the risk and impact of future fires.
What the funding is being used for
- Restoration of damaged peatland habitats.
- Repair of 17 kilometres of firebreaks that were created to halt the spread of the blaze.
- Reinstatement of public rights of way that had to be closed following the incident.
- Measures to build resilience in the moors against future wildfire events.
“The Fylingdales wildfire was an unprecedented event that caused serious and lasting damage to one of England’s most treasured landscapes. This funding will help bring the moorland back to life – restoring the deep peat that stores carbon, supports rare wildlife, and protects communities downstream.”
The minister’s remarks underlined the environmental importance of the peat in storing carbon and supporting wildlife. Local leaders, however, say recovery goes beyond habitat repair.
Calls for compensation and a national framework
Councillors and MPs have criticised the Government for not offering compensation to businesses, farmers and landowners who suffered losses as a result of the blaze. At a recent meeting, Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, urged ministers to develop a funding framework similar to that used for flooding events.
Cllr Les said the council has provided targeted assistance to the worst‑affected businesses but warned that the authority faces significant financial pressures and cannot sustain long‑term support on its own. He called for a nationally coordinated solution so other areas do not face the same difficulties following major wildfires.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Affected area (peak) | 10 sq miles (25 sq km) |
| Government funding | £3 million+ |
| Firebreaks repaired | 17 km |
For residents and visitors, the priority is both ecological recovery and clarity over access. The reinstatement of public rights of way will be welcomed by walkers and local businesses reliant on outdoor tourism, but the timeline for full restoration remains driven by environmental assessments and the physical work required on the peat and infrastructure.
As work continues on Langdale Moor, the debate between national funding for landscape restoration and compensation for economic losses is likely to remain a prominent issue for North Yorkshire politicians and landowners in the months ahead.
