National Trust reports widespread habitat loss following spring wildfires

The National Trust has reported that wildlife and habitats across several of its sites have been severely affected by UK wildfires in recent weeks.

According to the organisation, the damage follows the driest March in decades and unseasonably warm conditions in April, contributing to one of the worst fire seasons the UK has experienced.

The National Trust stated that a 1,600-hectare fire at Abergwesyn Common in Powys, Mid Wales, has damaged critical habitat, with concerns raised over the likely destruction of the last known breeding grounds for golden plovers in the area.

Chris Smith, Countryside Manager for Mid and South Wales at the National Trust, said: “The sheer scale of the fire on Abergwesyn Common is hard to fathom.

“As a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the impacts on wildlife are widespread, with birds’ nests, insects, amphibians and reptiles all scorched by fire.

“Whole ecosystems have been decimated and will remain altered well into the future.”

Smith added: “Alongside this, the huge loss of surface vegetation leaves the peat bogs we have been working hard to restore and rewet vulnerable to erosion and at further risk of fire and carbon loss.

“Where the flames burnt down to the peat soils, they will take hundreds of years to recover.”

Fires affect wildlife in Northern Ireland and other UK sites

The National Trust reported that recent fires in the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland have damaged habitats for species including grayling and small heath butterflies, rove beetles, skylarks and peregrine falcons.

It stated that the area is also home to Northern Ireland’s only native lizard, the viviparous lizard, and serves as a seasonal breeding ground for wheatears migrating from Africa.

According to the Trust, data collected after a major fire in the same region in 2021 showed reductions in both species diversity and population sizes, raising concerns that similar impacts may occur again.

On Exmoor, the National Trust noted that rangers have photographed species such as meadow pipits and slow worms foraging on scorched land following a 45-hectare fire last month.

Fire incidents impact conservation efforts and cause financial losses

The National Trust stated that some fires have undone years of conservation work across multiple regions.

At Howden Moor in the Peak District, the organisation reported that a fire stretching two kilometres caused an estimated £30,000 in damage.

It added that investigations into the causes of recent fires are ongoing at several sites, with fire services continuing to assess the extent of the damage and source of ignition.

National Trust calls for policy change and public responsibility

The National Trust said it is modifying its land management strategies to reduce fire risks, including rewetting landscapes and planting mosses that retain moisture.

It reported that these measures aim to increase resilience and help natural areas act as fire breaks during future incidents.

Ben McCarthy, Head of Nature Conservation at the National Trust, said:
“While the arrival of sunny weather was a cause for celebration for many, for some of our countryside teams, and of course for our fire services, it’s been a very tough few weeks.”

McCarthy added: “The vast majority of fires in the UK are started by people – whether accidentally or not – rather than by natural causes.

“So while we want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, we’re calling on people to be responsible as even a small spark can cause a fire. “Please call 999 if you see a fire or any suspicious behaviour.”

He continued: “As well as greater public education and engagement, as the climate gets hotter, we also need urgent Government action to help the UK mitigate and adapt to this and the many other climate risks facing our cherished yet threatened landscapes.”

Wildlife at risk as UK wildfires damage protected conservation areas: Summary

The National Trust has reported major wildlife and habitat losses across multiple UK sites due to recent wildfires.

Fires followed a dry March and warm April, contributing to an unusually severe fire season.

A 1,600-hectare fire at Abergwesyn Common in Mid Wales affected breeding grounds for rare birds.

Further fires in Northern Ireland damaged habitats for insects, birds and reptiles in the Mourne Mountains.

The Trust reported wildlife impacts on Exmoor and financial losses at Howden Moor in the Peak District.

Fire causes are still being investigated by local fire services.

The Trust is adapting land to be wetter and more fire-resistant through moss planting and wetland creation.

Ben McCarthy of the Trust called for public responsibility and Government action on climate adaptation.

The Trust continues to support its conservation work through a climate action appeal.