Millions in restoration costs for key heritage sites unless action is taken on wildfire risk, warns Artio

1 Sept

By Bilal Hussain

Artio analysis reveals high wildfire risk across heritage landscapes including Dartmoor and the Brecon Beacons, with likely restoration costs exceeding £12 million

Analysis highlights the potential loss of over 200,000 tonnes of CO2 storage and the threat to major peatland and woodland carbon projects in England and Wales
Findings underline the need for stronger fire planning and climate resilience measures to protect biodiversity, cultural heritage and carbon sequestration

LONDON, 1st September 2025: New analysis from carbon insurance pioneer Artio shows that England and Wales face significant wildfire risk during late summer 2025, with severe fire and drought conditions projected in September before risk levels ease in October. It comes as The Met Office released provisional statistics suggesting that this could be the warmest summer ever recorded in the UK.

Using a combination of drought modelling and fire spread analysis, Artio’s study highlights the vulnerability of heritage landscapes, such as the Brecon Beacons and Dartmoor, where potential fire damage could amount to more than £12 million in restoration costs. On top of this are social and cultural losses alongside the destruction of critical carbon stores.

Key cultural sites under threat

In the Brecon Beacons, wildfires could release more than 129,000 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to £3.2 million in carbon credit value based on current UK averages. An impacted area of more than 1,500 hectares would also see the loss of over 70,000 tonnes of dry biomass, with restoration costs of around £7.5 million at £5,000 per hectare.

Meanwhile, in Dartmoor, losses could include more than 77,000 tonnes of CO2 with a conservative value of £1.9 million. Over 800 hectares would be affected, with more than 42,000 tonnes of biomass lost and restoration costs of £4.1 million.

Risk heightened of destructive fires

Artio’s analysis also shows common ignition points within the Brecon Beacons National Park and a significant ignition point in Dartmoor National Park. In high-risk conditions, even a single spark from a barbecue, cigarette or lightning strike could trigger a fast-moving and destructive fire.

Bilal Hussain, CEO of Artio, said:

“These are not abstract risks but immediate threats. Without decisive preventative measures, fires in places like the Brecon Beacons and Dartmoor could erase years of carbon sequestration in a matter of days and leave behind millions in restoration costs.”

The cultural heritage and biodiversity value of these sites means we cannot afford to delay in building stronger fire resilience. Proactive risk planning is the only way to protect the carbon, communities and ecosystems that these landscapes support.”

Hussain added:

“If we wait until the damage is done, the costs, whether financial, social or environmental, will be far higher.”

Carbon projects across these landscapes are also under threat. The Carbon Community’s Glandwr Forest initiative on the edge of the Brecon Beacons aims to sequester more than 15,000 tonnes of CO2, but without proper fire planning this work could be undone in a single fire season. In Dartmoor, the South West Peatland Partnership is investing £13 million to restore 2,600 hectares of degraded peatland, but these gains could also be undermined if fire risk is not adequately managed.