‘Really upsetting’ that camp fire likely led to Isle of Wight rare habitat blaze

A National Trust ranger says it is “really upsetting” to think a fire that destroyed a large area of heathland on the Isle of Wight was “almost certainly started” by someone having a campfire – adding the land will take years to recover.

The blaze, at Headon Warren, raged for almost five days before being put out on Monday, leaving nine hectares (22.2 acres) of burnt land. The remains of a camp fire were found by fire crews..

The land was home to some of the island’s rarest habitats, the trust says.

Paul Davies, countryside manager for the area, says a large number of nesting birds will have died as well as reptiles, small mammals and amphibians. He added nightjars had lost their habitat.

Davies said the now “bleak” area was “far more” than a spot with a “beautiful view” out to sea and had been home to the island’s “rarest and most valuable habitats”.

He explained Headon Warren, a nationally important maritime heathland and rare limestone grassland, supported a range of wildlife, including Dartford warblers, nightjars, whitethroats and stonechats.

He said it was also home to a number of rare invertebrates including “beetles and the beewolf wasp that depend on the mosaic of heathland and grassland habitats to survive”.

“It is very difficult to count the cost, but it has been significant to wildlife,” he added.

“While nature will recover, some areas are likely to take years to return to full health, and inevitably it will impact our long-term restoration efforts.

“This fire is a reminder that even a small spark can have an impact on wildlife and the landscapes we all cherish. By taking care when visiting the countryside, we can all help protect these special places for generations to come.”

Davies added they would be looking to widen footpaths and create fire breaks going forward, but asked any future visitors to stay off the burnt area.