Trees for Life calls for stronger wildfire preparedness in Scotland

Trees for Life is calling for greater investment in Scotland’s wildfire response after major fires affected the Dava and Carrbridge area in 2025 and RSPB Abernethy and Glenmore in 2026. The charity reports that more than 100 volunteers helped tackle the Cairngorms fire, but helicopters took 30 hours to arrive because Scotland-based aircraft were deployed to fires in England and Wales.

The organisation says large incidents require close cooperation between Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, land managers and local communities, supported by specialist equipment such as bulldozers for firebreaks and helicopters for water drops. It highlights the role of local knowledge, including that held by gamekeepers, and points to the Cairngorms National Park Climate Adaptation Fund, which awarded £300,000 to 14 business and community groups, with 12 grants supporting firefighting machinery and equipment.

Trees for Life also argues that prevention should accompany response. It links drained peatlands, burning and dry vegetation with increased fire vulnerability, while presenting rewetted peatlands, beaver wetlands, native broadleaf woodland, reconnected floodplains and natural grazing as ways to retain water or reduce fuel loads. The charity supports cooperation between land managers and rewilding organisations on firebreaks and suppression.