National Trust asks public to join call for urgent Government action after hundreds of wildfires break out, and full extent of nature loss at Dunwich Heath emerges

Smoke and ash among the charred trees at Dunwich Heath. Photo: National Trust/Justin Minns.

Weeks after wildfires devastated 104 hectares (146 football pitches) of land at Dunwich Heath, the National Trust is asking people to sign a petition calling on Government to make tackling climate change a national mission. The charity says Ministers must take immediate action to better protect wildlife, landscapes and communities in the face of more frequent heatwaves, drought and record-breaking temperatures.

The blaze ignited on neighbouring land and decimated the whole heathland. The charity says the fire has wiped out the habitat of some of the country’s rarest species and ruined a much-loved landscape, which is famous for its carpet of purple heather and welcomes over 100,000 people each year.

The fire at Dunwich Heath – along with other major blazes around the country this year – has underlined how urgently the UK needs more resilient landscapes, natural solutions that help shield communities and infrastructure, and how Fire and Rescue Services must have the funding and equipment to deal with increasingly frequent and severe wildfires, including quick access to air support.

The conservation charity is calling on the Government to:

1. Make climate resilience a national mission, led by a Cabinet-level minister with responsibility for preparedness across Government and long-term investment.
2. Invest in nature as essential infrastructure, including peatlands, wetlands, rivers, woodlands and heathlands that help communities adapt to climate change, reduce environmental risks and support wildlife.
3. Support Fire and Rescue Services with the funding, specialist skills, equipment and public awareness campaigns they need to prevent, prepare for and respond to wildfires and other climate hazards.

National Trust Director-General Hilary McGrady said: “The climate crisis long predicted by scientists is happening here and now. Ferocious wildfires, unprecedented temperatures and record-breaking droughts are already hitting communities and nature across the UK – they are not a distant threat. Tackling this emergency must be a cross-Government priority because it touches every aspect of our lives, our society and our economy. So we’ve launched a petition to demonstrate to Ministers the strength of public feeling on this issue.

Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust, at Dunwich Heath. Photo: National Trust/Justin Minns

“Dunwich Heath is just the latest alarm call telling us that things must change. I’ve visited the landscape many times – it’s usually a haze of purple teeming with wildlife. The scale of the damage caused by a single blaze is shocking and without the actions of all those who helped, it could have been even worse.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported on the frontline, behind the scenes or donated to our appeal. People are doing their bit across the country. We need Government to do the same.”

With the fire remaining a live but stable incident and fire crews remaining on site to tackle hot spots, a full inspection of the site is yet to be made. Russell Clement, General Manager at Dunwich Heath commented: “We’re still coming to terms with the loss and challenging task of assessing the damage, making the site safe and planning for its recovery is only just beginning.

“The heathland which was so special for so many is now unrecognizable but we will do everything in our power to bring nature back to this special corner of Suffolk – so that it’s home once more to the many species that lived there like the Dartford warbler, nightjar, skylark and various butterflies and reptiles.”
“As soon as the site is safe, we can begin planning for recovery and help Dunwich become a place that’s not only thriving for nature and people again, but resilient to a changing climate.”

Fire services are asking people to continue to avoid the area around Dunwich.