Prof Sallie Bailey

Wildfires: Nature’s role in resisting the spark

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Countryside Code, Landscape, Natural England, Nature, Nature Recovery, Wildfire
Fire stops at a wet gully edge in Dove Stone 2018. Credit: Jon Bird (RSPB)

Updated (3 October 2025) By Sallie Bailey, Natural England’s Chief Scientist This year we have witnessed wildfires ravaging England’s uplands and heaths on a historic scale, with prolonged hot and dry weather providing the ideal conditions for blazes lasting weeks. …

Introducing Natural England’s Science Advisory Committee

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Natural England, Nature Recovery, Science and evidence

Prof Sallie Bailey, Chief Scientist I am excited to have started my role as Chief Scientist and recently attended my first meeting of Natural England’s Science Advisory Committee (NESAC). NESAC is a formal committee of Natural England’s Board, who are …