The compatibility of wildflower meadow areas and wildfire risk in Petersfield parish

This report was jointly written by Trustees of Petersfield Society and PeCAN (Petersfield Climate Action Network).  It was produced following concerns that the Town Council has adopted a policy on wildflower meadow creation and management that runs counter to the ambitions in its adopted Climate Action Plan. 

The report explores whether meadows pose an increased risk of wildfire in times of heatwaves.  It concludes that scientific evidence and experience from other countries indicates the opposite: that meadows can help reduce wildfire risk. 

The report makes several recommendations for greenspace management in the town that would allow more areas of wildflower meadow to be established.  It has been sent to all members of the Council, and a formal response to it has been requested.  The report can be downloaded here.