Wildfires have devastating consequences for people and nature. They destroy habitats, kill or displace wildlife, and it can take many years for damaged peatland and moorland ecosystems to recover. Fires also release significant amounts of stored carbon from peat soils, reduce biodiversity and leave habitats more vulnerable to erosion.
The impact on wildlife can be devastating. Fire can destroy the woodland, heather, bilberry and grasses that provide food, shelter and nesting habitat for species including tree pipit, redstart, willow warbler and wren, as well as insects, reptiles and small mammals. Ground-nesting birds and reptiles such as adder and common lizard are particularly vulnerable, while the loss of plants and insects can have a wider impact across the food web. Even where wildlife survives the fire, the loss of habitat and food sources can leave populations under pressure for years, and some of these upland habitats can take decades to recover.
As our climate changes, prolonged periods of hot, dry weather are becoming more common. These conditions increase the risk of wildfires and allow fires to spread more quickly, causing greater damage to wildlife and the places it depends on.
The recent wildfire near Tintwistle, alongside the exceptionally high temperatures experienced last week, is another reminder that climate change is already affecting Derbyshire's landscapes and wildlife.
When we help nature thrive, we strengthen one of our greatest defences against the climate emergency. Alongside our partners, we're working to improve the resilience of our landscapes through habitat restoration and peatland recovery, but we also need greater government investment in nature-based solutions.
Rewilding and restoring peatlands, woodlands and other natural habitats not only helps wildlife recover but also stores carbon, helps cool landscapes and helps hold more water in the landscape, creating healthier, water-rich habitats that are more resilient to extreme heat and less prone to these wildfires.
Many wildfires are preventable. During periods of hot, dry weather, everyone has a role to play in protecting nature. The message is simple: No fires or barbecues, including disposable barbeques. Dispose of cigarettes safely, take litter home, follow local signage and report any signs of fire immediately by calling 999. Small changes in behaviour can make a significant difference in helping to protect Derbyshire's wildlife and wild places.