Wildfire-damaged moorland to get £3m repair fund

Restoration work on an area of the North York Moors devastated by wildfire last summer could benefit from more than £3m of government funding.

The main blaze, which started at Langdale Moor on 11 August, burned for more than 40 days and at its height covered nearly 10 sq miles (25 sq km).

The government said it would provide funding to the North York Moors National Park Authority (NYMNPA) for work including the restoration of peatland species, such as sphagnum moss, and repairs to public rights of way across the moor.

Mary Creagh, nature minister, said the 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," she said.

The £3.2m pot of money could help restore peatland, which a government spokesperson said could naturally hold water, slowing the spread of future fires and reducing the risk of flooding downstream.

The work would also protect important habitats for wildlife and preserve archaeological features, they added.

Tom Hind, chief executive of the NYMNPA, said the money would also help with repair work to the 10.5 miles (17km) of firebreaks that were created to contain the blaze.

He said it would also be put towards "re-establishing peatland habitats, stabilising vulnerable areas and creating a landscape that is better able to withstand the challenges posed by a changing climate".

The fire, close to RAF Fylingdales near Pickering, was declared a major incident on 13 August due to its proximity to Critical National Infrastructure at the base.

The fire burned for more than six weeks between August and September 2025, with prolonged hot and dry weather together with strong winds contributing to the scale and behaviour of the fire.

Roads were closed in the area and smoke from the fire could be seen up to 80 miles (128km) away.

An investigation by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service found that the wildfire was likely to have been caused by cooking with a naked flame.

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