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Researchers Target Grass to Cut Wildfire Danger
29 Jun
Summary
- Moorland grass dominance increases wildfire vulnerability.
- A trial project manages purple moor grass for biodiversity.
- Dense, dry grass creates ideal conditions for rapid fire spread.
The risk of severe wildfires could be significantly reduced by managing the dominance of a specific moorland grass, according to recent research. This grass, identified as purple moor grass or molinia, can out-compete native flora, creating a landscape highly susceptible to fire outbreaks.
A trial project currently underway in Haworth is examining effective management strategies for molinia. The goal is to encourage greater biodiversity within the moorland ecosystem.
Researchers highlight that molinia contributes to wildfire risk primarily through its substantial biomass, which can become critically dry. Furthermore, areas dominated by this grass tend to have a uniform structure and height. This uniformity facilitates the rapid and unimpeded spread of wildfires across affected sites.
