Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) has reported its busiest year on record across 2025. We're seeing both a growing popularity of the outdoors and increased risks that come with it.
In the past year alone, MREW recorded 3,968 callouts in England and Wales, with only two days passing without an incident. For the organisation’s 47 volunteer-only teams, this translated into an extraordinary 158,543 hours of service. MREW says that this equates to rescue volunteers working the equivalent of more than 18 years on the trot.
“We are dealing with a level of demand, complexity and expectation that looks increasingly like a statutory emergency service—but delivered entirely by volunteers.” – Mike Park MBE, CEO of MREW
A legacy of lifesaving
Mountain rescue in the UK has its roots in the aftermath of World War II. Many early volunteers were climbers and former military personnel who adapted their skills to civilian emergencies in remote terrain. The modern structure began to take shape in the 1940s and 1950s, particularly in areas like the Lake District and Snowdonia, where accidents were becoming more frequent.
MREW itself was formed later as a coordinating body, bringing together independent local volunteer teams under a shared framework. Today, each team of MREW operates as its own charity, typically deeply embedded in its local community, yet united through national standards, training, and coordination.
How mountain rescue works
Despite being entirely volunteer-run, mountain rescue teams are set-up to function with the precision of professional emergency services. This involves highly trained volunteers, experienced in rope rescue, navigation, casualty care, and search techniques in difficult weather conditions. Tragedy doesn't work to a timeframe, so teams are on call at all times and often put themselves at risk during extreme weather and nighttime rescues. MREW teams work in tandem with professional rescue services, leaving their everyday life at the drop of a hat to help those in need.
Why are callouts increasing?
The surge in incidents is not random. Popular regions such as Snowdonia (Eryri), the Lake District, and the Peak District are seeing repeated incidents on the same ridges and scrambling routes. It points to a wider issue – why are we not taking the danger of the great outdoors seriously? Hikers are turning up to trails underprepared, and this has a ripple effect on an already-stretched rescue team.
MREW identifies several recurring factors to be aware of:
- Inexperience and poor preparation: Walkers setting out without proper outdoors clothing, navigation tools, or any real understanding of terrain.
- Fatigue and over-ambition: Ambitious hikers attempting routes beyond their ability, without a back-up plan to stay safe.
- Changing environmental conditions: More volatile weather patterns and hotter summers as the years go on are altering risk levels, we need to be taking into account changeable weather when packing and assessing the suitability of a route.
- Social media influence: “Bucket list” locations are widely shared, attracting visitors who may not fully understand the risks involved in such environments.
Prevention is a priority
MREW’s message is clear – you must be adequately prepared and experienced for a day out on the mountains. It's the responsibility of each individual to think critically: choose a route suited to the ability of each group member, carry appropriate equipment, and know when to turn back.
“Our goal is to reduce the demand by helping people make more informed decisions.” – Park
Importantly, the organisation stresses that no one in trouble should ever hesitate to call for help. In case of emergency, dial '999', ask for 'Police' then 'Mountain Rescue'.
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The cost of volunteering
While MREW's service is free to those in need, mountain rescue is far from cost-free. Teams rely heavily on public donations and fundraising to cover the cost of specialist equipment, vehicles, rescue centres, training, insurance, and communications. You can donate directly to your local MREW team, or through the MREW organisation. Alternatively, fundraise or take part in charity events.
Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is the representative body for mountain rescue teams across England and Wales. Its 47 member teams are independent charities staffed entirely by volunteers.
Top image credit: Two Lake District teams, Duddon and Furness and Wasdale, feature on the cover of the regional report on 2025. Most MREW teams publish similar documents and these can be valuable sources of information and advice.
