Jon Pearce MP joined the National Trust and campaigners at Downing Street last month to hand in a petition calling for stronger action to protect communities, landscapes and wildlife from the growing threat of wildfires.
The petition, supported by campaign group 38 Degrees, attracted 148,000 signatures in less than 12 weeks following the devastating wildfire at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk in July, which destroyed 104 hectares of rare heathland habitat.
Jon joined representatives from the National Trust, 38 Degrees, the Fire Brigades Union and fellow MPs for the hand-in on Monday, October 26, as campaigners welcomed new Government measures to tackle wildfires while warning that further action is needed.
The Government recently announced a £25 million fund to restore dried-up peatlands, alongside improved equipment and personal protective equipment for firefighters, and support for farmers to create ponds that can act as firebreaks.
The announcements followed the Prime Minister’s National Wildfire Summit, which brought together representatives from across the country to discuss how to better prepare for and respond to increasingly severe wildfires.
As MP for High Peak, Jon has seen first-hand the devastating impact wildfires can have on the countryside, with fires on Tintwistle Moor and across High Peak highlighting the risks posed by increasingly hot and dry conditions.
Jon has also campaigned for stronger wildfire protections, including action to tackle the use of disposable barbecues on moorland.
The National Trust has welcomed the Government’s latest announcements but says long-term plans are essential to tackle the underlying causes of climate change and protect nature.
Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust, said the measures were a welcome first step but warned that “bold, long-term plans are urgently needed”.
She added that restoring nature must be a priority, with healthy landscapes helping communities manage the impacts of extreme weather, while also calling for action to tackle the burning of fossil fuels.
The petition calls on the Government to make climate resilience a national mission, invest in nature as essential infrastructure and strengthen support for Fire and Rescue Services.
Jon Pearce MP said:
“Wildfires have had a devastating impact on our countryside this year, destroying precious habitats and putting communities and emergency services under enormous pressure.
“Here in High Peak, we know just how important it is to protect our moorland and the landscapes that make our area so special.
“I was pleased to join the National Trust, 38 Degrees and fellow campaigners at Downing Street last month to show the strength of feeling behind this petition. Nearly 150,000 people have added their names because they want to see action to protect our countryside for future generations.
“The Government’s new funding for peatland restoration and fire services is welcome, but we cannot stop here. We need long-term investment in nature, properly equipped fire crews and a serious commitment to tackling climate change.
“Protecting our countryside must be a priority, and I will continue to push for the action needed to keep High Peak’s landscapes, wildlife and communities safe.”
The National Trust has warned that climate change is increasingly affecting landscapes and heritage across the country, with droughts, heatwaves, storms and flooding all taking their toll.
The charity says restoring peatlands, wetlands, rivers, heathlands and woodlands can help communities adapt to climate change, reduce flood and drought risks, store carbon and support wildlife.
The petition hand-in marked a significant milestone in the campaign, with supporters urging the Government to build on its recent announcements and deliver lasting protections against the growing threat of wildfires.