Wales Wildfires Could Delay Habitat Recovery for Centuries After 2,000-Acre Blaze
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 7
Wales Wildfires Could Delay Habitat Recovery for Centuries After 2,000-Acre Blaze
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 7
Summary
Natural Resources Wales said some habitats scorched in this summer’s wildfires may take centuries to recover if fires burned into peat soils, calling 2026 the worst wildfire year Wales has experienced.
Peat grows at about 1mm a year, and once incinerated it no longer stores water like a sponge, raising flood risks as well as delaying the return of vegetation and wildlife.
More than 2,000 acres burned for nearly two weeks in the Rhinogydd mountains, while other major fires forced a village evacuation in Conwy and sent smoke from Blaenavon as far as Cardiff.
Pensychnant Conservation Centre lost about one-third of its 150 acres in July, with its warden saying soil was burned down to rock and rare moths, reptiles and other invertebrates were likely destroyed.
NRW, RSPB Cymru and local volunteers said most fires are started by people and urged better land management, grazing and public education as drought and climate change intensify the risk.