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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Integrated Wildfire Management Plans being prepared by National Park Authorities will (a) include quantified targets for reducing vegetation fuel loads, (b) assess the role of cutting, grazing and controlled burning in achieving those reductions and (c) be in place before spring 2027.

National Park Authorities play an important role in strengthening landscape resilience and have the flexibility to tailor their approach to local circumstances. In October 2026, National Park Authorities voluntarily committed to embedding wildfire management within their National Park Plans as these are reviewed, helping to ensure that wildfire risk is considered as part of future land management. The UK National Parks position statement identifies fuel loads and the role of controlled burning of vegetation among the issues that National Park Authorities should consider.

Defra and MHCLG are building on this commitment through the development of the England Wildfire Action Plan, which will strengthen our approach across prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.