National Trust launches public appeal after wildfire destroys iconic British site

The blaze ignited on Wednesday on neighbouring land and grew to the equivalent of 220 football pitches in size, decimating the whole heathland. The charity says the fire has wiped out the habitat of some of the country’s rarest species and ruined a much-loved landscape, which is famous for its carpet of purple heather and welcomes over 100,000 people each year.

Now the Trust is calling on people to help restore the landscape by giving what they can to an emergency appeal, launched today.

Hilary McGrady, the Trust’s Director-General, said: “We are looking at total devastation of a beloved and important landscape. We’ve lost precious habitats, wildlife, trees, and a place where people have made memories over generations. It’s heartbreaking.

“But together we can and will restore Dunwich, and crucially, make it more resilient and better adapted for the climate we’re facing now, and the climate we’ll be facing in future.

"We’re working hard to tackle climate change and prepare for more of it, but there’s more hard work to be done.

“We can’t do it alone. We’re a charity that relies on public support in so many ways. If you can donate, however much, please don’t hesitate. Your money will go directly to the restoration of Dunwich, to regrow habitats and homes for wildlife, build more resilience into the landscape, and return this iconic place to the nation.”

Lowland heath is one of rarest habitats in the country, with an estimated 92% lost in England over the last 120 years. It makes Dunwich Heath, and the neighbouring RSPB Minsmere reserve, an especially important area for specialist wildlife that depend on the shelter and food sources the habitat provides. This includes birds such as nightjars, skylarks and the very rare Dartford warbler, as well as adders, lizards and slow-worms, and butterflies including the rare silver-studded blue.

Only recently, the heath had shown remarkable signs of recovery after the extreme heat and drought of 2022. Helped by the efforts of local staff, heather was returning, specialist moth populations were increasing, and Dartford warbler numbers had recovered close to pre-drought levels. Fire breaks had been cut and dead heather removed to mitigate against wildfires.

General Manager Russell Clement said: “Just days ago, thousands of people were out walking through the purple heather, soaking up this beautiful landscape. What’s happened over the last 48 hours is hard to fathom and part of a growing national problem.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the fire service, who are working tirelessly, along with local farmers, neighbours and our own countryside team here, who’ve been up on the heath cutting fire breaks and funding a helicopter to drop water on the flames. It has saved homes and villages. We’re all exhausted and emotional, but I’m proud of the heroic response, and above all, incredibly relieved everyone is safe.

“Our thanks also go to the local community, who’ve been offering support however they can. If people would like to help us, wherever you are in the country, please do consider donating. This site is too important to too many people and too many species not to restore it – so that’s what we’re going to do. But we need help to make it happen.”

The fire at Dunwich Heath is one of around 200 to hit the UK in the past fortnight, including several on National Trust land. Yesterday, the Trust called on the Government to hold firm on climate action, including by keeping fossil fuels in the ground and embedding climate resilience across Government.

Hilary McGrady said: “This means building homes fit for the future, creating wetter and more resilient landscapes, cooling our towns and cities, and helping communities prepare for the weather we’re going to experience. It means taking steps now to protect our health, our heritage and our way of life.”

The Dunwich Heath Fire Appeal can be found at: nationaltrust.org.uk/dunwich-heath-appeal.

Fire services are asking people to continue to avoid the area around Dunwich.