Wildfire conference returns north as UK risks increase

IN RECENT years we have seen many significant wildfire events across the UK and 2025 saw a record high in areas burnt by wildfires. The scale and impact of some wildfire events are increasingly straining our ability to respond.

The devastating effects of wildfire on Dava Moor in the Scottish Highlands 2025 is a scene that is becoming more frequent across the UK. Credit The Heather Trust.

The 2026 UK Wildfire Conference has therefore never been more relevant. It will provide the opportunity for the wildfire community to come together on 10 and 11 November in Leeds to share lessons learnt, discuss new ways of working, and to support collaboration across sectors. This is exemplified in this year's conference theme: "New Perspectives, Shared Solutions".

Professor Gareth Clay, Chair of the 2026 Wildfire Conference Steering Group, explained why this event will appeal to a wide audience:

“The conference will appeal to anyone who has an interest in UK wildfires, how we can learn from international examples and how lessons from the UK can be applied elsewhere. We welcome attendance from across sectors from those who currently work on wildfires, or who are looking to expand their activities and knowledge of wildfire – which is an increasing threat to both rural and urban communities and landscapes. You may be a conference regular, or this may be your first time - all are welcome.”

Delegates will hear from experts about the latest research and innovations in prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, and have the opportunity to discuss with colleagues, ways to enhance working together.  Through networking and informal discussions, delegates will leave the conference with new connections and ideas that they can embed within their own organisations and teams. 

Event hosts – the England and Wales Wildfire Forum (EWWF) – are keen to encourage collaborative thinking and promote cross-sector planning and preparedness.

“The conference will be a showcase for the whole UK wildfire community,” continued Prof Clay. “We hope that all delegates leave the event with a greater understanding of the latest research and practice and an increased awareness of opportunities to share knowledge across different sectors. Through this we hope that there will be renewed and strengthened collaboration across the community.”

The conference organisers aim to produce a post-conference summary, which will highlight the key outcomes from the event and be a reference point, not just for future wildfire conferences, but all stakeholders who are engaging with the issue of wildfire. 

The programme is currently being finalised but submissions from speakers and for posters that demonstrate clear links to the conference theme, whether practitioner or researcher, or from inside or outside the UK, are still being welcomed. Anyone interested should visit the event website:

The location

“The Wildfire Conference rotates around the UK every two years and the 2026 conference is being hosted by the England and Wales Wildfire Forum,” explained Prof Clay. “The last time we were in northern England was at Wildfire 2011 in Buxton, so it was time we returned north for the conference”.

“Leeds is a fantastic city for the event, with national and international transport connections and a range of accommodation options. The conference is being held at Headingley Stadium, an iconic sporting venue, home to both Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos Rugby Club, and provides top-level facilities and support.”

Headingley Stadium, the venue of The Wildfire Conference

For more information, to buy tickets or submit a proposal, please visit the event website:

The conference is being organised by The Heather Trust charity on behalf of EWWF.

ENDS

Caption

• Prof Gareth Clay is Chair of the UK Wildfire Conference 2026 Steering Group.

• The devastating effects of wildfire on Dava Moor in the Scottish Highlands 2025 is a scene that is becoming more frequent across the UK. Credit The Heather Trust.

About EWWF

The England and Wales Wildfire Forum (EWWF) is a multi-agency stakeholder group of public, private and third-sector parties which works to address wildfire issues.

The forum is a voluntary strategic body, independent of government, created to expand knowledge and understanding of wildfire, with the overall purpose of reducing the harmful impact of wildfires by promoting joint working and collaboration. England and Wales Wildfire Forum | Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service

About The Heather Trust

The Heather Trust works to promote the sustainable management of uplands and heather moorlands across the UK. By supporting collaboration between land managers, policymakers, and researchers, the Trust aims to enhance environmental resilience and biodiversity. The Heather Trust