Blackheath Common Wildfire Management Plan – updated plan following consultation

Following the public consultation earlier this year, Waverley Borough Council has published Version II of the Blackheath Common SSSI Wildfire Management Plan (October 2026). The updated plan reflects feedback from residents and stakeholders.

Read the Wildfire Management Plan (PDF)

What the plan covers

The plan covers the 101 hectares of Blackheath Common managed by Waverley Borough Council and runs for 10 years, with a review every 5 years. It sets out how the council will reduce the likelihood and severity of wildfire on the Common, protect its habitats and wildlife, and maintain and extend the network of firebreaks, working closely with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.

Changes following the consultation

Amendments made in response to feedback include:

• Updated stakeholder feedback, reflecting both rounds of consultation
• Maps now showing the new proposed emergency entrances as well as existing ones
• Revised firebreak proposals, including a proposal for the National Trust to continue the firebreak on its land to create a continuous firebreak around the SSSI
• A new glossary of terms
• The Surrey Fire and Rescue Service Wildfire Prepared leaflet (Appendix H)
• Surrey Fire and Rescue Service’s response to the consultation feedback (Appendix I), covering firebreaks, resourcing, informing residents during incidents and reducing the risk

How residents can help

• Please do not dump green waste onto the Common or stack dead wood along boundaries
• Think carefully about where compost areas are placed in gardens
• Avoid BBQs and garden fires in the high-risk summer months or during drought conditions
• Consider your own boundaries, including garden vegetation, fences and features
• Store flammable items such as fuel and gas cylinders with care

If you see a fire, call 999 immediately.

Related news

• Have your say on the future of Blackheath Common (24 June 2026)
• Be Wildfire Prepared (20 July 2026)