Sarah Dyke MP has called on the Government to formally recognise fire ponds as a key climate adaptation measure for farmers and rural communities. The Glastonbury and Somerton MP has made the call following recent wildfires in Somerset and across the country.

Ms Dyke, the Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson, has tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament and written to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. She is urging Ministers to make the creation and restoration of fire ponds an eligible, funded action within the Farming Roadmap 2050.

Her intervention follows wildfires near Ilminster earlier this month, as well as several simultaneous incidents across Somerset and neighbouring counties. Ms Dyke said those incidents placed significant strain on fire crews, while recent flash flooding has underlined Somerset's growing exposure to extreme weather.

The Farming Roadmap sets out how farmers can adapt through nature-based solutions, including improved soil health and water management. Ms Dyke says wildfire resilience currently sits outside that framework and is treated separately from drought and water management, rather than as part of the same wider climate pressure.

Fire ponds provide a ready source of water for firefighting in rural areas where mains hydrants cannot reach. They can also support irrigation and livestock during periods of drought.

Ms Dyke said: "Climate change is increasing the risk of extreme weather, from devastating flash floods to dangerous heat leading to wildfires, both of which Somerset has experienced in recent weeks.

"Fire ponds offer a practical, low-cost solution that can help farmers adapt to climate change while providing our fire crews with vital access to water when every second counts.

"Wildfire resilience should not be treated as a separate issue from drought and flooding. These challenges are interconnected, and our approach to climate adaptation must reflect that. I am urging the Government to ensure fire ponds are properly recognised and funded as part of the Farming Roadmap 2050."

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In her letter to Ministers, Ms Dyke has called for dedicated funding for fire pond creation and restoration. She is also asking for better mapping of areas most at risk of wildfire, working with the National Fire Chiefs Council, and greater monitoring of fire pond provision as part of the Government's wider climate adaptation plans.

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