Fire-hit moorland added to heritage risk register

Parts of the North York Moors landscape have been added to Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register, after a wildfire caused extensive damage.

The blaze burned across about seven sq miles (18 sq km), of Fylingdales Moor in 2025, damaging peatland habitats, more than 20 scheduled monuments and six listed buildings.

Historic England and the North York Moors National Park Authority (NYMNPA), are using drone technology to assess the impact.

"The Heritage at Risk Register showcases the positive impact that restoring and reusing these special places can have," Historic England said.

A large area of Fylingdales Moor was added to the register following the wildfire which started in early August 2025 and burned for more than 40 days, spreading through parts of the North York Moors National Park.

An investigation later concluded it was likely to have been caused by someone using a campfire or gas burner.

The annual Heritage at Risk Register identifies buildings, monuments and landscapes considered vulnerable because of neglect, decay, damage or other threats.

It also highlights sites where progress is being made to secure their future.

Historic England is supporting the NYMNPA with drone-based Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology and aerial imagery to assess the extent of the damage.

It said the loss of vegetation and peat had exposed archaeological remains previously hidden beneath the moorland, and that surveys were helping specialists record and assess them while building a clearer picture of the fire's impact on the landscape.

Elsewhere on this year's register, Historic England said significant progress had been made towards securing the future of Wakefield's former Crown Court House, which could be removed from the list once restoration work was complete.

Built in 1810, the Grade II listed building on Wood Street is undergoing restoration more than 30 years after it closed. It served as Wakefield's local court and crown court until 1992.

Work is under way to convert the building into a venue known as the Court House, incorporating a bar, restaurant, workspace, community hall and creative studios.

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