PREVIEW

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BY MARK WORGAN

This footage and astonishing images show the wildfire that has taken hold on Dunwich Heath in Suffolk and devastated the landscape.

The blaze, which started on neighbouring land on Wednesday, spread across an area equivalent to 220 football pitches, destroying much of the heathland.

The National Trust says the fire has wiped out habitats for some of the UK's rarest species and devastated a landscape known for its purple heather and visited by more than 100,000 people each year.

The Trust is asking the public to donate towards restoring the heath, including rebuilding habitats and making the landscape more resilient to future extreme weather.

Hilary McGrady, the Trust’s Director-General, said: “We are looking at total devastation of a beloved and important landscape. We’ve lost precious habitats, wildlife, trees, and a place where people have made memories over generations. It’s heartbreaking.

“But together we can and will restore Dunwich, and crucially, make it more resilient and better adapted for the climate we’re facing now, and the climate we’ll be facing in future.

"We’re working hard to tackle climate change and prepare for more of it, but there’s more hard work to be done.

“We can’t do it alone. We’re a charity that relies on public support in so many ways. If you can donate, however much, please don’t hesitate. Your money will go directly to the restoration of Dunwich, to regrow habitats and homes for wildlife, build more resilience into the landscape, and return this iconic place to the nation.”

Lowland heath is among the UK's rarest habitats, with an estimated 92% lost in England over the past 120 years.

Dunwich Heath, alongside the neighbouring RSPB Minsmere reserve, is an important refuge for wildlife that depends on the habitat for food and shelter.

Species found in the area include nightjars, skylarks and the rare Dartford warbler, as well as adders, lizards, slow-worms and the silver-studded blue butterfly.

The heath had only recently begun to recover from the extreme heat and drought of 2022.
Local staff had helped restore the landscape, with heather returning, specialist moth populations increasing and Dartford warbler numbers recovering close to pre-drought levels.
Firebreaks had also been cut and dead heather removed to reduce the risk of wildfires.

Russell Clement, the Trust’s General Manager, said: “Just days ago, thousands of people were out walking through the purple heather, soaking up this beautiful landscape. What’s happened over the last 48 hours is hard to fathom and part of a growing national problem.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the fire service, who are working tirelessly, along with local farmers, neighbours and our own countryside team here, who’ve been up on the heath cutting fire breaks and funding a helicopter to drop water on the flames. It has saved homes and villages. We’re all exhausted and emotional, but I’m proud of the heroic response, and above all, incredibly relieved everyone is safe.

“Our thanks also go to the local community, who’ve been offering support however they can. If people would like to help us, wherever you are in the country, please do consider donating. This site is too important to too many people and too many species not to restore it – so that’s what we’re going to do. But we need help to make it happen.”

The Dunwich Heath fire is one of about 200 wildfires to have hit the UK in the past fortnight, including several on National Trust land.

The Trust has also urged the Government to maintain its commitment to tackling climate change, including keeping fossil fuels in the ground and improving climate resilience across government.

McGrady added: “This means building homes fit for the future, creating wetter and more resilient landscapes, cooling our towns and cities, and helping communities prepare for the weather we’re going to experience. It means taking steps now to protect our health, our heritage and our way of life.”