Communities unite to tackle wildfires and save nature

Wildfires continue to affect some parts of the UK including at RSPB nature reserves, including RSPB Dove Stone in the Peak District and RSPB Abernethy in the Cairngorms.  

Meanwhile, other areas continue to deal with the aftermath, including in County Fermanagh. Here, we were heartened that, thanks to response of firefighters together with PeacePlus Nature staff from RSPB Northern Ireland, and the Sliabh Beagh Curlew Conservation Trust, Curlew chicks rescued from a wildfire have been safely released. 

At Abernethy, we are seeing an amazing collective effort from staff, volunteers and local people to fight the fire, and have been overwhelmed with the level of support from local businesses, neighbouring landowners and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.  

This film shot earlier this week gives an insight into the challenges of tackling such a big fire. It also tells the human story of what that takes. At the time of writing this on Friday 24 July, the fire is still live, with changes in wind conditions posing a growing threat and exhausted teams continuing to battle the blaze.

RSPB staff and volunteers are continuing to work tirelessly to protect Abernethy nature reserve and try and save as much as possible from a serious wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park which began on Wednesday 15 July.

While significant progress had been made thanks to immense support from the local community and surrounding estates, unfortunately, the fire threat has once again been growing following a change in weather conditions. The situation remains serious and staff, volunteers and partners are at this time focused on doing all they can to support the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service who are coordinating the response. It is important that anyone in the area continues to adhere to the guidance of the emergency services.

The last few days have reflected how important it is that we have the support of our neighbours, partners and the local community, and the deep care we all share for this precious place. We’re particularly grateful to the teams on the ground including local volunteers, estate teams, gamekeepers, Forestry and Land Scotland, Wildland Ltd, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Cairngorms Connect partners and many others.

Like many, we are concerned for the wildlife that calls Abernethy home. This landscape is an incredible place for nature, supporting more than 5,000 species including some of the UK's rarest and most threatened wildlife.  

Its importance is recognised not just on a UK level but an international one by many protected area designations. Right now, it is too early to understand the impact of the fire.

As wildfires become a growing challenge during the summer months, our focus remains on preventing fires and reducing risks to people, wildlife and habitats. Most wildfires are caused by human activity, including BBQs, discarded litter, fireworks and, in some cases, arson, making public awareness a key priority. 

The RSPB works closely with Fire and Rescue Services and is proud of colleagues at Dove Stone, Eastern Moors, Abernethy and in Northern Ireland who have spent hundreds of hours tackling recent fires and keeping people safe. 

We actively manage our land to protect and restore important habitats. Evidence shows that restoring and rewetting peatlands is one of the most effective ways to reduce wildfire risk. Healthy peatlands are more resistant to fire, while also protecting wildlife, storing carbon and creating more resilient landscapes. 

Extreme weather, caused by climate change, is increasing the scale, intensity, and frequency of wildfires both in the UK and globally.  

While warm weather increases the risk of a fire, often the spark that starts a wildfire is linked to activity by people. Please take extra care when spending time outdoors this summer.