Mayor Tracy Brabin Visits Marsden Moor to Address Wildfire Recovery Efforts

On 7 July 2026, West Yorkshire's mayor, Tracy Brabin, visited the fire-damaged Marsden Moor, a popular natural area that has suffered from increasing wildfires in recent years. The visit took place on one of the hottest days of the year, highlighting the urgent issues surrounding fire risk in the region. During her tour, the mayor witnessed the devastation caused by fires, particularly those that occurred in April, while also noting positive signs of recovery and restoration efforts.

Fires on Marsden Moor

Marsden Moor has been plagued by a series of fires, with careless actions such as barbecues, discarded cigarettes, and litter being major culprits. A particularly devastating incident in 2021, sparked by a firecracker, resulted in the loss of two square miles of precious countryside. Smaller fires have continued to impact the area, with incidents reported in both spring 2025 and 2026.

During her visit, Mayor Brabin was guided through the Bobus area of the moor, where she observed the aftermath of the April blaze. The charred remains of the moorland grass served as a stark reminder of the fires' destructive power. Accompanying her were key figures from the National Trust, including Countryside Manager Rosie Holdsworth and General Manager Jo Hudson, who explained the ongoing restoration work being undertaken to prevent future fires.

Restoration Efforts

The restoration initiatives aim to address the underlying causes of these fires. Issues such as excessive pollution, historic mismanagement, and draining of the moorland have contributed to the drying out of the landscape. This has led to the erosion of peat soils and a lowered water table, reducing the area’s ability to store water and carbon. As a result, the risk of both flooding and wildfires has increased.

To combat these challenges, the National Trust, in partnership with Yorkshire Water, has launched the Landscapes for Water project. This ambitious initiative aims to plant 300,000 trees and install 3,500 leaky dams across the South Pennines, including Marsden Moor. These leaky dams are designed to capture floodwaters and raise the water table, helping to keep the moors hydrated for longer. Mayor Brabin has invested £1.8 million into this project, demonstrating her commitment to restoring the moorland and protecting local communities from the dual threats of flooding and fire.

Signs of Hope

During her visit, Mayor Brabin expressed her optimism about the progress being made.

“It was shocking to see the scale of the moorland fires. But this was also a great opportunity to see how our £1.8 million investment towards installing leaky dams is helping to build resilience across the moors.”

The mayor noted the flourishing moorland plants surrounding the leaky dams, which had survived the flames and offered hope for the area’s recovery.

Hazel Earnshaw, a lead countryside and woodland advisor at Yorkshire Water, emphasised the importance of the Landscapes for Water project, stating,

“It’s fantastic that we can clearly and tangibly see the impact it is starting to have.”

The aim is to transform Marsden Moor back into a “sponge,” capable of holding more water during winter floods and becoming more resilient to extreme heat and fire.

Community Responsibility

While restoration efforts are underway, there remains a pressing need for visitors to the moors to act responsibly. Mayor Brabin urged the public to enjoy the beauty of the moor while being mindful of their actions.

“The fire risk is currently exceptionally high. Don’t take any naked flames—campfires, barbecues, camping stoves, or cigarettes—out onto the moor.”

“The fire service would far rather come and put out barbecues than put out a 300-hectare fire.”

This highlights the importance of community vigilance in protecting the moorland.

Looking Ahead

The ongoing efforts to restore Marsden Moor are crucial not just for the environment, but also for the well-being of local communities. With climate change leading to more extreme weather conditions, it is vital that the region implements effective strategies to manage fire risks and protect its natural landscapes. The collaboration between the National Trust, Yorkshire Water, and local authorities through initiatives like Landscapes for Water represents a proactive approach to safeguarding the moorland for future generations.

As the project progresses, the hope is that Marsden Moor will not only recover from recent fires but also become more resilient against future threats, ensuring that this beautiful area remains a cherished resource for all who live in and visit West Yorkshire.