North Pennines adopts five‑year plan to boost climate resilience and wildfire preparedness

The North Pennines National Landscape Management Plan for 2026‑31 has been formally adopted by the councils of Cumberland, Westmorland and Furness, County Durham and Northumberland. The five‑year strategy prioritises climate‑change readiness, including peatland restoration to lessen flood risk and the provision of wildfire‑fighting equipment such as drones to local farmers.

Chris Woodley-Stewart, who leads the North Pennines National Landscape (NPNL), characterized the proposal as the boldest and most feasible initiative the area has encountered. While the plan guides local authority policy, it is voluntary, relying on incentives rather than regulatory enforcement.

Background

National landscapes, previously designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, cover diverse terrain including heather moors, dales, woodlands and England’s High Force waterfall. The North Pennines, identified as especially vulnerable to rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns and more frequent extreme weather, has long been managed with government and charitable funding.

The fresh administrative strategy expands upon previous pledges to adjust to conditions involving milder, rainier winters alongside hotter, arid summers. Mitigation actions include protecting existing woodlands and restoring carbon‑rich peat soils, which are expected to improve water quality and reduce downstream flooding. Raby Estates, one of the region’s largest landowners, is collaborating with NPNL on wildfire prevention, managing fuel loads and deploying drones to detect fires. Duncan Peake, chief executive of Raby Estates, highlighted the drones as a significant addition to their fire‑control toolkit.

The plan also seeks to broaden public access to the countryside. NPNL will work with farmers to provide skills and equipment during farm visits, targeting groups of young people who might not otherwise experience rural life.

Why it matters

Upland communities and downstream settlements stand to benefit from reduced flood risk and improved water quality, outcomes linked to peatland restoration and woodland protection. The introduction of drone technology aims to enhance early fire detection, potentially limiting the spread of wildfires that threaten both natural habitats and agricultural assets.

By involving land managers such as Raby Estates and encouraging farmer participation, the plan attempts to align economic activity with environmental stewardship. Increased public engagement with the countryside could also support the local economy, as more visitors gain exposure to farming practices and the landscape’s heritage.

What happens next

The five‑year plan will steer policy decisions of the four participating councils until 2031, though implementation remains non‑compulsory. NPNL intends to monitor progress on peatland restoration, flood mitigation and wildfire preparedness, adjusting actions as needed. Further collaboration with landowners and community groups is expected throughout the period, with periodic reviews to assess effectiveness against climate‑related targets.