Historical ecology and stakeholder perspectives can inform peatland fire management

Climate change is increasing wildfire risk globally and peatlands have become increasingly vulnerable to fire in recent decades. We combine social research methods with analysis of historical ecological (palaeoecological) records to understand links between fire, climate, vegetation and land use. Stakeholders in the Peak District (UK) highlight the need for scientific research and local knowledge to be more frequently embedded into policy. Analyses of historical ecological datasets reveal regime shifts in moorland vegetation following periods of fire activity and managed burning. This type of disturbance can lead to dominance of grasses, which may have a negative impact on peatland carbon balance under warmer climatic conditions. Recent fires are contributing to the loss of Sphagnum moss and greater dominance of heath and grass. Restoring peatlands, through re-establishing native woodland and improving peat bog hydrological conditions, alongside careful planning around controlled burning, are key measures to enhance resilience to future fire events.