Devastating summer wildfire leaves Dunwich Heath more badly damaged than feared

A devastating wildfire which destroyed more than 250 acres of heathland has left some areas in a far worse condition that originally thought, the National Trust has revealed. New aerial images of Dunwich Heath released by the trust show the shocking scale of the damage on the surface, but what lies beneath is in a worse state. Soil analysis has revealed recovery will take years or even decades because the ground has been sterilised by the intense heat.

Even three months after the fire, temperatures of up to 50C are still being recorded underground and trees are continuing to fall because root systems have been damaged. The National Trust said that 82% of the organic matter in the soil has been damaged, leaving it struggling to even absorb rainwater. With so little nutrient left in the ground the charity said it could be decades before the nature reserve can return to its original state.

The charity said the obliteration of the organic composition of the topsoil and underground seed bank makes natural regeneration problematic. Organic matter within the soil at Dunwich Heath has been depleted by 82% in some areas. Credit: John Miller/ National Trust The fire broke out in July during a spell of extremely hot and dry weather, destroying 256 acres of heathland in what was Suffolk’s largest wildfire in recent history. Nearby homes were evacuated and firefighters spent several days bringing the blaze under control.

A firefighter tackles a blaze at Dunwich Heath Credit: PA The heath is home to wildlife including rare birds such as Dartford warblers, stonechats and skylarks. Although some greenery has started to return, the National Trust said much of it was bracken and gorse, which grow quickly and can crowd out other plants. Matt Wilson, the charity’s coast and countryside manager, said these plants could make it harder for heather, which is an important part of the heathland, to recover.

He said managing the new growth would be a major part of the restoration work. New aerial pictures of the aftermatch of the wildfire at Dunwich Heath have been released by the National Trust. Credit: John Miller/National Trust Dunwich Heath remains closed to visitors because the fire damaged paths and signs and left some areas of ground unsafe. There are also concerns about dust and air pollution, plus fears that trees weakened by the flames could fall during winter storms.

Experts are checking the area for potentially dangerous objects left behind from military training during the Second World War, including unexploded bombs. Russell Clement, the National Trust’s general manager for the Suffolk and Essex coast, said making the area safe for visitors was a priority. “We hope to be able to offer limited access to Dunwich Heath, as soon as it’s safe to do so, however it will likely take several months before the heath fully reopens,” he said.

The National Trust say it will be some months before the area can be opened up to the public again. Credit: John Miller/National Trust People can now walk along the beach between Dunwich village and Sizewell, while Westleton Heath and large parts of RSPB Minsmere are also open. A fundraising appeal launched after the fire has raised more than its original £500,000 target. The money will help pay for the first two years of work to repair the damage and encourage plants and wildlife to return.

The National Trust is also looking at ways to make the heath better able to cope with future wildfires. Mr Clement said: “This is the beginning of a very long journey, but after three challenging months we are looking to the future with hope.” Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know