A wildfire that began on July 29 has devastated Dunwich Heath, a National Trust reserve in Suffolk, burning through approximately 370 acres—an area equivalent to about 210 football pitches. The fire, which took place during one of the UK’s hottest and driest summers on record, is considered one of the worst wildfires in recent memory. National Trust officials have described the landscape as now “unrecognisable,” with large swathes of heather and woodland reduced to black ash and scorched earth.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service deployed 120 firefighters at the peak of the incident, involving all 35 of the county’s fire stations over a 10-day period, with additional support from neighboring counties and a firefighting helicopter. The blaze was declared a major incident, and while it is now under control, officials caution that smouldering hotspots remain and have urged the public to avoid the area due to ongoing safety concerns.

Matt Wilson, the National Trust’s countryside manager for the region, described the fire’s ferocity and depth as unlike any wildfire he has previously encountered. He explained that the blaze completely burned sections of the heathland, destroying all layers of vegetation down to bare earth. Flames reportedly reached heights of up to 40 meters (130 feet), damaging many trees and significant parts of the habitat.

Before the fire, Dunwich Heath was known for its vibrant coastal heathland habitat, characterized by flowering heather, woodlands, and wetlands. It is home to a range of wildlife, including birds such as Dartford warblers, nightjars, and stonechats, as well as mammals like red deer and muntjac deer. While larger animals were generally able to escape, the fire’s rapid spread had a devastating impact on slower-moving species.

Wilson expressed particular concern for reptiles—including adders, slow worms, and common lizards—amphibians like newts, frogs, and toads, and small mammals such as voles and mice, many of which likely did not survive. He was relieved that badger setts in the area were not significantly damaged but noted that butterflies and other insects in larval stages almost certainly perished.

The heath had been protected by fire breaks—wide gaps cleared to stop the spread of flames—and Wilson had consulted with fire services less than a year before the incident to ensure these were adequate. However, the intensity of this fire overcame those measures, with flames burning through the breaks as if they were not there. Wilson described visiting the reserve just before the fire as a “completely different experience,” recalling abundant bird song and active insect life, contrasting sharply with the current “disaster movie” scene.

Public access to Dunwich Heath remains restricted, with roads and public rights of way, including neighboring coastal paths, closed while firefighting and cleanup efforts continue. Locals have expressed concerns about the long-term recovery of vegetation and wildlife, but officials say it is too soon to predict when the habitat might fully regenerate.

In response to the devastation, the National Trust has launched a £500,000 emergency appeal to fund around two years of restoration work. Director-general Hilary McGrady outlined that efforts will range from ensuring visitor safety and repairing buildings to active habitat restoration, including reseeding and creating visitor routes. The goal is to rebuild a nature-rich environment that people can continue to enjoy in the future.