# UK wildfire response and nature restoration

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-wildfire-response-and-nature-restoration
> Updated: 2026-10-24T21:42:24.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Following intense wildfire activity, including a blaze in Stourbridge that destroyed 19 homes, the UK government has announced a national strategy to combat rising wildfire risks. This initiative includes a £45 million investment in specialist personal protective equipment for firefighters and the establishment of a permanent military aerial firefighting capability using Royal Air Force Chinook helicopters and A400M aircraft. Additionally, £25 million will be allocated to restore English peatlands to act as natural firebreaks.

In Scotland, the government has allocated more than £1.34 million for nature and wildfire recovery. A significant portion of these funds is dedicated to repairing damage caused by summer wildfires in the Cairngorms, specifically following the Abernethy wildfire. This includes £150,100 for the Cairngorms National Park Authority to restore damaged habitats, support wildlife recovery, and investigate methods to reduce future fire risks.

## Claims

- The Cairngorms National Park Authority will receive £150,100 for recovery work following the Abernethy wildfire. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Funding will support river restoration, deer management, and the control of invasive non-native species. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The funding aims to reduce the risk of future wildfires. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The funding includes native oyster restoration and chough habitat improvements on Islay. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin announced the funding at a summit in Armenia. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Scottish Government announced more than £1.34 million in funding for nature restoration projects. (single source)
- The Scottish Government has a £23 million nature restoration budget for 2026-27. (single source)
- Recovery work will include restoring part of the Duack Burn. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Scotland allocates £1.34 million for nature and wildfire recovery

The Scottish Government is providing over £1.34 million for nature restoration, including £150,100 to repair habitats damaged by recent wildfires in the Cairngorms.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/scotland-allocates-134-million-for-nature-and-wildfire-recovery

### 2026-10-22: UK government announces military and AI support for wildfire response

The UK is launching a national wildfire strategy featuring permanent RAF aerial firefighting support, £45 million for specialist protective gear, and investments in peatland restoration.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-government-announces-military-and-ai-support-for-wildfire-response

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Cite as: UK wildfire response and nature restoration. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-wildfire-response-and-nature-restoration
