Wildfires destroy heathlands in South Downs National Park
July 10, 2023
Last month a devastating fire on MOD land at Longmoor, Hampshire, burned for five days and destroyed 16 hectares of open heath.
It was followed by a second fire on nearby Broxhead Common and is a stark reminder of how vulnerable our landscape and wildlife can be to wildfires.
Lowland heath is a habitat which makes up just 4% of the National Park, but within those small stepping stones of heath, which stretch from Pulborough through to Midhurst and up to Bordon, we find a host of fascinating and nationally rare wildlife species, such as Natterjack toads, sand lizards and nightjar.
Woolmer Forest is unique in Britain as the only place where we’re lucky to find 12 out of 13 native amphibian and reptile species. Local firefighters battled the blaze for over 72 hours in very challenging conditions to limit the spread of the wildfire on Woolmer Forest.
Heathlands can be particularly vulnerable to wildfires because gorse, heather, bracken and pine are easily combustible, even when we’re not in drought conditions.
Natural phenomena such as lightning can be the ignition source for wildfires, but they are very often caused by humans. Discarded barbecues, cigarette butts and camp fires disproportionally contribute to wildfires.
Here’s some advice from Bordon Fire Watch Manager Simon Morford on what to do if you discover a fire, and how to avoid them in the first place:
– If you see a fire in the countryside, please do not try to tackle it yourself as they can spread very quickly and can be unpredictable.
– call 999 immediately and retreat to a safe distance. If you can, try and capture a location, nearby landmark or reference, or use what3words to help direct the crew.
– BBQs are not permitted on heathlands or in any open countryside in the National Park. Bring a picnic instead.
– Take litter home with you and clear away bottles and glasses, including broken glass to avoid it magnifying the sun. Do not discard cigarettes in the countryside, dispose of any smoking material properly and make sure they are completely extinguished.
Meanwhile, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is establishing a new Wildfire Prevention Patrol in and around Midhurst in a bid to try and minimise the risk of significant fires taking hold.
The fire service is keen to hear from residents who live in the town or surrounding area, or those who regularly visit Midhurst who enjoy walks in the local countryside, as well as dog walkers and walking groups who might wish to be involved to be the eyes and ears of the fire service out and about in the countryside this summer.
WSFRS will be offering a number of training sessions for those interested in becoming part of the Wildfire Prevention Patrol over the next few weeks.
If you would like to find out more or sign up for a training session please contact our Prevention team on frs.cptt@westsussex.gov.uk
