Wildfire Risks in the Highlands: A Ranger’s Perspective
Andy Summers reports on what he's learnt from attending the recent UK Wildfire Conference
The recent Wildfire Conference held in Aberdeen this November, organised by the Heather Trust, was an eye-opener for anyone concerned about the changing climate and its impact on Scotland’s landscape. Over 100 delegates attended, representing voices from across the UK and beyond. The conference delivered a clear message: Scotland is not immune to wildfires, and as rangers, we’re at the frontline of this escalating challenge.
For a long time, Scotland’s reputation as a cool, damp country made wildfires seem like a remote threat. But the climate is changing. Wetter winters followed by drier, windier summers and autumns mean our fire season is stretching across the calendar. Models discussed at the conference suggest that a global temperature rise of two degrees could double the number of wildfires in Scotland, while a four-degree rise could quadruple them.
That’s a sobering thought.
We need to cultivate a more resilient landscape, one that can withstand and recover from wildfires, reducing their frequency and intensity while supporting biodiversity.
A resilient landscape features a mosaic of habitats with varied moisture levels and vegetation structures, avoiding the dominance of monocultures like Molinia (purple moor grass), which burns easily and offers less nutritional value to wildlife.
Wetter areas, including restored peatlands, play a critical role in fire mitigation by holding moisture, though it’s worth noting that 80% of Scotland’s peatlands are currently degraded, making them vulnerable to smouldering fires that can persist and spread underground. Mature deciduous woodlands are another vital component, as their cooler, damper environments naturally resist fire spread. Fire ponds and natural firebreaks can further interrupt the path of flames, also adding crucial layers of defence.
However, building resilient landscapes comes with challenges. Establishing new woodlands—whether pine or birch—temporarily increases fire risk due to the greater fuel load of young, unestablished trees. This short-term vulnerability is a necessary trade-off for long-term gains. Similarly, after moorland fires, vegetation may recover quickly but often shifts towards Molinia dominance, and away from the heathers of the uplands, reducing the habitat’s overall resilience and ecological value. Accepting these complexities while prioritising long-term strategies like habitat restoration and diversification is key to creating landscapes better equipped to handle the growing wildfire threat.
Nearly all wildfires in Scotland are caused by people. That’s a hard truth, but it also means people can be part of the solution. Community-based fire management is a proven approach globally, and here in Scotland, education is paramount. This year, Nature.Scot ran a large awareness campaign, and in the Cairngorms, a byelaw is being drafted to ban recreational fires during peak wildfire season. As rangers, we’re perfectly placed to support these efforts, combining education around the subject into our community and visitor engagements.
The Scottish Wildfire and Muirburn Act, which comes into effect in 2025, will require licenses for muirburn and ban burning on peat deeper than 40cm. While this aims to protect delicate ecosystems, it’s also a source of concern for crofters. Many rely on controlled burns to manage grazing and reduce tick populations, often without specialist equipment or formal training. Balancing these needs with the very real risk of out
of control fire, will require careful consultation and support.
Advances in technology are making wildfire detection faster and more precise. Tools like GIS mapping, drones, and even hill-mounted fire sensors are being trialled by the National Trust in England. Early detection is critical because, as we learned at the conference, peat fires can actually smoulder underground for months, only to resurface when conditions are right.
Tackling wildfire risk in the Highlands begins right here, with us. Education is the cornerstone of prevention. Many folks—locals and visitors alike—don’t realise the damage a casual campfire or disposable barbecue can do. In drier, windier weather, it doesn’t take much for a harmless-looking flame to spark something devastating. We need to spread the word through local campaigns, clear signage, and ranger-led outreach to help everyone understand how serious this risk is and encourage safer behaviours.
Collaboration is another key piece of the puzzle. Wildfires are too big a problem for any one group to solve. By working together—rangers, land managers, communities, and organisations like the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service—we can share knowledge, pool resources, and come up with effective strategies. Everyone has a role to play, and when we’re united, we’re far stronger.
Planning is critical, particularly for those managing the land. Fire plans should be more than a box-ticking exercise, they need to be practical, regularly tested, and understood by everyone involved. Training staff and making sure teams have the right equipment, such as fire-beaters, leaf blowers, and ATVs fitted with fogging units might make all the difference when a fire breaks out.
Ultimately, wildfire prevention comes down to choices. The choices we make in how we manage the land, how we educate visitors, and how we work together as communities.
With effort, cooperation, and foresight, we can protect our Highlands landscapes, the people and wildlife, that call them home. Wildfires in the Highlands are no longer a distant threat. They’re here, and they’re growing in frequency and intensity. Together, we can adapt to this changing world and protect the wild places we all treasure.
Let’s get to work.
Andy Summers, North Highland's Senior Ranger for High Life Highland, is a dedicated naturalist with a deep understanding of the region's diverse ecosystems. His extensive experience in wildlife conservation and passion for preserving North Highland's pristine landscapes make him a vital asset. Andy's work encompasses wildlife observation, environmental education, and passing on a greater appreciation for the area's unique flora and fauna. His commitment to conserving North Highland's natural heritage is evident in his expertise and unwavering dedication.