Wildfires Devastate UK Ecosystems, Charities Urge Urgent Climate Action as Species Face Extinction Risk

April 17, 2025
Wildfires Devastate UK Ecosystems, Charities Urge Urgent Climate Action as Species Face Extinction Risk
  • Charities are sounding the alarm as weeks of wildfires across the UK have devastated entire ecosystems and put numerous species at risk.

  • WWF Cymru has emphasized that these wildfires serve as a stark reminder of the climate crisis, with one in six species in Wales facing potential extinction exacerbated by the fires.

  • The National Trust reported significant damage from a recent fire on Howden Moor in the Peak District, which caused £30,000 in losses and undermined years of conservation efforts.

  • This surge in wildfires is attributed to one of the driest Marches in decades and unusually high temperatures in April, marking one of the worst fire seasons on record.

  • In Wales, wildfire incidents have skyrocketed, with over 1,300 grass fires reported in early 2025, a staggering increase from just 34 incidents during the same period in 2024.

  • In Northern Ireland, wildfires in the Mourne Mountains have disrupted habitats for various species, including small heath butterflies and peregrine falcons, further complicating the ecological balance.

  • Ben McCarthy from the National Trust has called for urgent government action to mitigate wildfire risks and adapt to the ongoing impacts of climate change.

  • Chris Smith, the National Trust's countryside manager, highlighted the extensive and lasting impact of the fires on wildlife, with many species' habitats scorched.

  • The loss of surface vegetation due to the fires has left peat bogs vulnerable to erosion and increased risks of fire and carbon loss, with recovery potentially taking centuries.

  • The National Fire Chiefs Council has stressed the need for long-term investment to tackle climate change and the growing demands from increased wildfires.

  • Conservation organizations are advocating for solutions such as nature-friendly farming and habitat restoration to enhance resilience against extreme weather events.

  • A significant wildfire at Abergwesyn Common in Powys, Wales, consumed 1,600 hectares, threatening the local population of golden plovers.

Summary based on 2 sources


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