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Moorland Grass Fuels Wildfire Risk, Study Warns
29 Jun
Summary
- Moorland grass dominance increases wildfire vulnerability.
- Molinia grass out-competes other species and dries out.
- Managing grass can restore peatlands and retain moisture.
A trial project in Haworth is investigating ways to manage molinia, a purple moor grass, to mitigate severe wildfire risks. Researchers found that this grass can dominate moorland landscapes, creating conditions ripe for large fires due to its substantial dry biomass and uniform structure that facilitates rapid spread.
Molinia's ability to return faster than other plants after a fire prevents the re-establishment of moisture-retaining moss layers. This loss of moss compromises peatland water retention, potentially leading to downstream flooding and increased water treatment costs.
Conservationists are examining various management techniques to encourage blanket bog recovery and improve grass management. The project is a collaborative effort by Bradford Council, Yorkshire Water, and Natural England. Initial phases involve baseline data collection for one year, with on-ground conservation work scheduled to begin in spring 2027.
