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National Trust and Sites of Special Scientific Iterest: Fire Prevention

Asked by Vikki SladeLiberal DemocratDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 14 October 2025UIN 77411

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether land that is (a) owned by the National Trust and (b) a Site of Specific Scientific Interest requires Secretary of State approval before implementing proactive fire prevention methods.

Answered by Mary Creagh

Consent from the Secretary of State is not required unless the SSSI concerned is also a common, in which case some actions like fencing may require Secretary of State consent as per the Commons Act 2006. The National Trust is an owner/occupier with the same legal rights and responsibilities as other owner/occupiers.

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