National Trust say Isle of Wight wildfire impacts will be long-lasting
It's after a wildfire broke out on Headon Warren last week
After a wildfire burnt more than nine hectares of land on the Isle of Wight last week - the National Trust say the impacts will be long-lasting.
The fire on Headon Warren burnt nine hectares of land, approximately 40% of the site.
Paul Davies is the National Trust's Countryside Manager on the island.
He said: "It was a very hot burn because it was burning against the wind.
"So it was only progressing at a very, very slow rate, which meant it was very severe, so there is no topsoil, just ash and mineral substrate.
"This is going to mean that the rate of regeneration is going to be really slow.
"We'll probably be looking at between three to four years before we've got a reasonable cover of heather and course again."
What's the advice for the public?
Mr Davies told us some tips for helping to stop wildfires.
His advice included:
- Don't use barbecues or have open fires on sites
- Pick up litter because even glass bottles can magnify the heat of the sun and cause fires
- Keep away from the burnt areas because of personal safety as well as the safety of the small amount of wildlife that are left in those areas
How did the fire impact wildlife?
Mr Davies said: "It took out a lot of heather and standing gorse.
"That area is currently being or was currently being used by nesting birds.
"We had species such as White Throat and Dartford Warbler and also had Nightjar nesting on site.
"We saw Nightjar take off just ahead of the flames at one stage.
"So there's been a complete loss of nesting habitat, and also the colossal volume of invertebrates."