Dunwich Heath closed after devastating wildfire

Two weeks on from the fire, staff and volunteers are still coming to terms with the scale of the damage.

While significant progress has been made by the fire service on dampening down hotspots, there are parts of the fire ground that we have not yet been able to access, map or record hazards within.

Work is now underway to assess the full site, record the impact, identify ongoing risks and begin planning for the site’s long-term recovery, which is likely to take some weeks.

The fire has left little of the reserve untouched and large areas of the heath have been transformed, leaving parts of the landscape unrecognisable. Important habitats and nesting sites have been lost, and for the wildlife that survived, food and shelter will be scarce.

Although the major incident has been stood down, Dunwich Heath and Beach will remain closed until it is safe to reopen. This includes the King Charles III Coast Path and Public Rights of Way across the site, following a decision by Suffolk County Council and Natural England.

Russell Clement, General Manager for the National Trust, said: "We’re incredibly grateful to all 35 of Suffolk’s fire stations, as well as the 18 fire services from around the country who worked tirelessly to tackle this fire. Our thanks also go to our neighbours, partners, local farmers and a further 29 organisations who have supported with the fire effort.

“We've been overwhelmed by the response from people following this devastating fire. Dunwich Heath means a great deal to so many, and we've received hundreds of messages sharing memories of this special corner of Suffolk, alongside generous donations and offers to help with its recovery.

“We're deeply grateful for that support. Right now, however, the best way people can help is by staying away from the reserve. We know how important Dunwich Heath is to the local community and visitors alike, but we need to ensure it is safe before anyone returns."

Why we're asking people to stay away

Coastal winds are stirring up ash and debris, reducing visibility and creating challenging conditions across the site. Familiar landmarks and paths have also been lost, making it easy to become disoriented, even for those who know the area well.

New firebreaks and tracks created by machinery to tackle the fire have also created uneven ground.

The fire has also left a number of less visible risks. Some trees remain standing but have suffered severe damage below ground, where root systems have been burnt away, leaving them vulnerable to collapse.

In addition, unexploded ordnance dating back to Operation Kruschen during the Second World War has been exposed by the fire. While specialist teams have already made some discoveries safe, further items may be present, which specialists will look to identify as assessments continue.

Rabbit burrows and warrens have retained significant heat, creating hotspots beneath the surface. The fire also spread across the clifftops, putting the stability of the fragile cliffs at risk, making the beach below unsafe at the current time.

Dunwich village and RSPB Minsmere remain open and we’d encourage people to support the local businesses, which are such an important part of the community.

What else you can do to help

While Dunwich Heath remains closed, you can still follow updates on our website and social media channels.

Following the fire, we have also launched a fundraising appeal to help support Dunwich Heath’s recovery. The appeal has now raised £600,000, which will help fund the first few years of recovery work. To donate to the appeal, click here.

As an organisation, we are also asking people to sign a petition calling on Government to make climate resilience a national mission, invest in nature to reduce environmental risks and support Fire and Rescue Services with the funding needed to prepare and respond to wildfires. To find out more and sign the petition, please click here.