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 ensure woodland is appropriately managed to reduce the risk of wildfires.

The Forestry Commission (FC) works with woodland owners to reduce the risk of wildfires through guidance, training, support and wider communications. The UK Forestry Standard is used to implement forest and contingency plans for wildfire, informed by the FC’s Practice Guidance. Lantra accredited training is available. The Government also provides two Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier options for forest owners and managers to increase their woodlands resilience: CUP18 and CES6. Practice Guidance. Lantra accredited training is available. The Government also provides two Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier options for forest owners and managers to increase their woodlands resilience: CUP18 and CES6.

Working across Government, FC actively communicates with woodland managers and the public during periods of high wildfire risk as well as coordinating with forestry sector representatives.