Urgent help needed to restore fire-ravaged reserve

The public's help is "urgently" needed if a fire-ravaged heathland habitat described as a "jewel in the crown" of nature reserves is to be restored.

Large parts of RSPB Minsmere, on the Suffolk coastline, were damaged by a wildfire which broke out on 29 July. It also tore through neighbouring Dunwich Heath.

Firefighters spent about two weeks tackling the inferno, which engulfed an area the size of 210 football pitches. The landscape could take as long as 25 years to recover.

The RSPB has launched an "emergency fundraising appeal", which its area manager for Suffolk, Adam Rowlands, said could make all the difference.

"Minsmere has an incredible track record of habitat restoration, and, with public support, we can now begin helping nature recover," he said.

"We urgently need people's support - the quicker we can raise the funds needed, the sooner we can start restoring this precious landscape and giving wildlife the best chance of recovery."

The blaze destroyed about 150 hectares (370 acres) of heathland, making it one of the "most significant incidents" to ever impact the reserve and neighbouring land.

While many birds – including Dartford Warbler, Woodlark and Nightjar - were able to escape the flames, the habitats they rely on were severely damaged.

Slower-moving wildlife such as adders, invertebrates and rare butterflies, meanwhile, may have suffered significant losses as a result of the "devastating" fire.

"The scale of the damage is heartbreaking. Recovery will take decades," added Rowland.

"Whilst some species will have escaped the fire itself, the destruction of their habitat will be felt for many years to come."

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