Does rewilding really cause wildfires?

For many countries, 2026 has already been the worst year on record for wildfires.

From the old-growth forests of Canada to the peatlands of Indonesia to the heathlands of England, ecosystems around the world are burning.

But while environmentalists and communities are trying to build natural resilience, a narrative has emerged that seems to throw doubt on their efforts: that rewilding actually makes fires worse.  

To understand whether there is any truth in this statement, and learn more about the role rewilding plays in restoration, we spoke with Joe Glentworth, a lecturer in nature recovery and rewilding at the University of Manchester.

In TalkLandscape episode 15, he explains whether rewilding really causes wildfires, the natural techniques being used to tackle the blazes and why people are vital for any rewilded landscape.

For more stories, visit: thinklandscape.globallandscapesforum.org