Dunwich Heath & RSPB Minsmere
Two of the UK's most important coastal heathland landscapes and habitats, were both damaged by a wildfire that started on the 29th of July.
Heathland habitat is considered rarer than rainforests.
Dunwich Heath was entirely engulfed in flames. All 220 hectares, the equivalent of 146 football pitches. A place loved for its sweeping purple heather and rare wildlife has been left scarred almost beyond recognition. Minsmere was also damaged, but the firefighters worked tirelessly to make sure that the other reserve was saved as much as possible.
Precious habitat is damaged and vulnerable; a home to nightjars, Dartford warblers, adders, common lizards, rare heathland insects and some many more.
The devastation is heartbreaking.
The cause of fire hasn't been discovered yet, but the use of ai, disposable BBQs and vapes, as well as cigarettes disposed of irresponsibly all contribute to fires every year. Not even to mention the possibility of fires started on purpose.
18 different crews - every single one in the county - and dozens more covering said stations, 200+ firefighters and support from the army, RAF, London fire brigade, sizewell nuclear plant, salvation army and local farmers and residents to help with aid, feed and evacuate the area.
£500,000 had been raised in the first week, but the reserves need so much more. It could take 25+ years to recover, assuming no fires like that happen again, and Suffolk fire service needs much more support to deal with such fires becoming more common with climate change and the issues mentioned above.
Only UK residents can donate, but if you are able please use this link to do so, if you can't donate, sharing will help too. Thank you.
