What Makes a Wildfire Wild?

What makes a wildfire wild? In the first SideCountry episode, Richard Prideaux, George Browne and Amy Green follow that deceptively simple question into the increasingly urgent problem of fire in the British countryside. The conversation begins with a peregrine hitting George’s window and Australia’s alleged fire-spreading raptors, before turning to the fires that have affected moorland, woodland, farmland and communities across Britain.

They discuss human ignition, disposable barbecues and campfires; the appeal of ‘voluntary outlawdom’ outdoors; and the difficult balance between greater access, personal freedom and responsibility.

There are no neat answers. Rewetting, prescribed burning, cutting, grazing and changes in land management all enter the argument, along with climate change, fuel load, deep-burning peat and the tribal politics surrounding rewilding and grouse-moor management. The result is a wide-ranging discussion about risk, blame and what a more fire-resilient countryside might actually require — with a flaming buzzard, cultural burning and the Theft Act taking the occasional supporting role.

In this episode Firehawks, peregrines and opportunistic wildlife What British agencies and the public mean by ‘wildfire’ Human ignition, disposable barbecues, lanterns and campfires Climate change, dry weather and increasingly unpredictable conditions Rewetting, prescribed burning, cutting, grazing and fuel management Cool burns, deep peat fires and ecological damage Access, freedom, responsibility and enforcement Why the wildfire debate so quickly becomes ecopolitical Links

Presented by Richard Prideaux, George Browne and Amy Green

Edited and Produced for SideCountry by Amy Green.

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Views are those of individual speakers and do not necessarily represent SideCountry, its presenters, contributors, partners or sponsors. For general information and entertainment only. Laws, seasons, access and guidance change; check official sources, obtain permission and act within your competence.