Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help improve preparation for droughts and wildfires in woods and forests in the context of the recent extreme temperatures.

The Forestry Commission works with woodland owners and managers to improve resilience to droughts and wildfires through its practice guidance, Lantra accredited training, communications and financial support. The Government funds measures through Countryside Stewardship to improve woodland resilience, including support for fire and fuel breaks and wildfire management. It also supports climate-resilient woodland creation through appropriate species selection, woodland design and long-term management.

Forestry England works closely with Fire and Rescue Services and landowners to prevent and prepare for wildfires through vegetation management, fire and fuel breaks, emergency response planning, weather monitoring and public awareness campaigns, while the Forestry Commission provides advice and communications during periods of high wildfire risk.