Thousands of hectares of precious moorland and peatland in the North York Moors National Park are to be restored following the unprecedented Fylingdales wildfire of summer 2025, helping to better protect nearby communities, homes and critical infrastructure from future fires by slowing their spread and reducing flood risk.
The Labour government is providing up to £3.2 million to the North York Moors National Park Authority through the Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme. The funding will repair 17 kilometres of firebreaks dug to contain the blaze, stabilise damaged slopes, restore key peatland species such as sphagnum moss and reinstate public rights of way across the moor.
Luke Myer MP welcomed the news. During the blaze last year, Luke paid tribute in Parliament to the “firefighters, farmers, volunteers and all the businesses” who had “come together to tackle the fires”, and called for further support from government to support the area’s recovery. Last month, Luke was part of a new cross-party group convened by neighbouring MP Alison Hume to push for action on wildfires.
The Fylingdales wildfire burned for over six weeks between August and September 2025 and was declared a national incident due to its proximity to critical national infrastructure. At its peak, the fire measured around 20 square kilometres and roads in the area were closed due to smoke and to allow emergency access. The official Fire & Rescue Service report, published earlier this year, indicated the fire began from a campfire and spread undetected through deep peat, causing widespread damage to biodiversity and the wider landscape.
Restored and rewetted peatland naturally holds water, slowing the spread of future fires and reducing flood risk downstream. Recovery work will also protect important habitats for wildlife and preserve archaeological features within the moorland.
Luke works closely with the two polyhalite mines in the region, the Anglo American Woodsmith Project and ICL Boulby, and both have agreed to match-fund the government investment to support habitat restoration within the wider recovery programme.
Mary Creagh, Minister for Nature, said:
“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.
“Resilient, rewetted peatland is our best natural defence against wildfires in the future, and I am determined that this landscape recovers stronger than before.”
Tom Hind, National Park Authority CEO, said:
“Fylingdales Moor is home to a wide variety of rare and precious habitats and wildlife and it’s vital that we not only restore these habitats but build in long-term resilience to climate change. This funding is a significant step forward in helping us address the long-term impacts of the Fylingdales Moor wildfire and we’re grateful to Government for recognising both the scale of the damage and the importance of restoring this nationally significant landscape.
“This investment will enable us to begin repairing the extensive firebreaks that were created to contain the blaze, re-establishing peatland habitats, stabilising vulnerable areas and creating a landscape that is better able to withstand the challenges posed by a changing climate.”
Luke Myer MP said:
“The North York Moors are one of our greatest local assets and the Fylingdales wildfire caused enormous damage to a landscape that means so much to people across East Cleveland and beyond.
“This funding will help restore the moorland, protect wildlife, reduce future wildfire risk and preserve an important part of our local heritage for future generations.
“I pay tribute once again to the firefighters, farmers, land managers and volunteers who worked tirelessly during the emergency. Their efforts protected communities, homes and critical infrastructure in extremely challenging circumstances.
“This investment means the long process of recovery can continue and will help ensure the North York Moors emerge stronger and more resilient in the years ahead.”