Unspoken Lives: How UK Wildfires Impact Wildlife and Paths to Recovery
- Beth Clayton
- Jul 18
- 11 min read
By Beth Clayton
Whilst hiking in the UK countryside, I was struck by the beauty of the landscape - a fox trotting quietly through vibrant green ferns, geese gliding across the lake with their goslings in tow, and the distant call of a cuckoo. Just beyond this peaceful scene, a charred, lifeless stretch of land, blackened by wildfire. You could almost hear the distant cries of animals too slow to escape its wrath. It was utterly devastating to see a once-thriving habitat silent and scorched. This is what compelled me to speak up for the voiceless animals who suffer and perish in these tragic blazes. To make sure they are heard.
How are wildfires started in the UK?
There are two timeframes where there is a high wildfire risk. The first is late winter-spring because dead and dry ground vegetation, coupled with dry periods, is a perfect recipe for fire. The second is summer, where droughts and heatwaves are present - these fires are usually both more damaging and intense (1).
Very few are caused by accidents or natural causes. Natural Resources Wales (2) claims, “Whilst it’s hard to fathom why, most wildfires in Wales are started deliberately and are classed as arson. Some are a result of carelessness through inappropriate use of BBQs.”. Further to this, the Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (3) states, “The majority of wildfires in Northumberland and across the UK are started by human actions such as smouldering BBQs, campfires and open fires, discarded litter on the ground, the loss of control of controlled burning, and arson.”
Whilst it is mindblowing to see that these fires could be prevented, we also have another issue; climate change is accelerating these fires once they get going. Chantelle Burton and her fellow researchers' analysis reveals that “The contribution of climate change to high fire weather conditions means that when fires do ignite, they have the potential to be larger, more intense, and harder to manage.” (4)
It may or may not come as a surprise to you that most wildfires are a result of human activity, and the devastating consequences of this carelessness are awful for both humans and wild animals.
How common are wildfires in the UK?
It wasn’t until researching for this article and getting in contact with local fire authorities that I realised the extent of wildfires in the UK. They were often something I associated with California and Australia, not in the milder climates of the UK. In a twelve-year period from 2009-2010 to 2020-2021 inclusive, Fire and Rescue Services attended over 360,000 wildfire incidents in England. This averages over 30,000 incidents per year (5). And that is only in England.
In Wareham Forest, Dorset, 190 hectares (469.5 acres) of heathland were engulfed in 2020 (6). The area is internationally known for its unique habitats and diverse wildlife such as ladybird spiders, woodlark, sand lizards and smooth snakes. This is just one example of the many devastating blazes that have happened over the years.
I fully understand the resilience of nature and was keen to find out if wildfires are as devastating as they look. In catching up with Devon Wildlife Trust (7), they stated that, "Wild places can and do bounce back in time from wildfires, but it takes time. The increasing instances and ferocity of the fires we're seeing as our climate changes is putting an extra burden on already struggling nature". We can't forget, however, that if a species manages to survive or bounce back, it doesn't erase the heartbreaking pain and terror felt by animals caught in the choking smoke, unable to escape.
Having recently written an article about rewilding wins in the UK, it is devastating that with one careless action, so much destruction can be caused, especially given the number of people doing so much to rewild the UK.
Now, let's shine a light on the animas that are most vulnerable and learn some interesting facts about them, and then we can learn about what we can do about wildfire prevention.
What is the impact of wildfires on biodiversity?
I have been in touch with a number of different Fire Services, wildlife charities, and councils, who have been really helpful in my research.
Wildfires in Devon
First, let's head over to Devon, a county renowned for its beautiful countryside and thriving wildlife. It is also home to a lot of heathland, which is extremely flammable. A large wildfire savaged approximately 1,230 acres of moorland on the 5th of May 2025 in Devon (8). To give a little context to the sheer size of this, a football pitch in the UK is around 1.6 acres.
Devon Wildlife Trust (7) feels, "This large fire on Dartmoor comes at the very worst time for wildlife. Spring sees bird nesting, small mammals giving birth to their young, and reptiles emerging from their hibernation. Animals, including skylarks, field mice and adders, will be among the many that are affected by its destruction."
The birds below are all ground-nesting birds. This means even if they manage to escape the blaze, their nest and future life will not.
Dartford Warbler (Curruca undata)
Once nearly extinct in the UK due to habitat loss and harsh winters, Dartford Warblers have made a remarkable comeback over the past five decades. These small, long-tailed birds are recognisable by their reddish-brown breast and striking red eye-ring. Often found in heathland habitats, they feed on small invertebrates and typically lay 4 eggs per clutch (9).
Conservation status:
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Near Threatened (Global) (10)
UK Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber (11)
Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola)
The Stonechat is a small and visually distinctive bird which is often spotted perched on gorse bushes in heathland. They are considered partial migrants with many remaining in the UK throughout the year and others travelling to southern Europe or North Africa during colder months. They typically lay between 5-6 eggs per clutch during nesting season (12).
Conservation status:
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - not listed
UK Birds of Conservation Concern - Green (11)
Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)
This summer migrant is more often detected by its distinctive calls than by sight, due to its excellent camouflage. Nightjars typically breed in southern parts of Britain, where they will usually lay 2 eggs per clutch (13).
Conservation status:
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Least Concern (14)
UK Birds of Conservation Concern - Amber (11)
Other wildlife impacted by wildfires, specifically in Devon, include:
Adder (Vipera berus) | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Least Concern (15) |
Common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Least Concern (16) |
Grass snake (Natrix helvetica) | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Least Concern (17) |
Slow worms (Anguis fragilis) | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Least Concern (18) |
Smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Least concern (19) |
A huge thank you to the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (20) for their input into what animals are most impacted.
Wildfires in Yorkshire
Now let’s go to Yorkshire with the wild moors, rolling hills, and rugged wilderness. I was lucky enough to communicate with an ecologist (21) who works for the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, who says, “Most likely to be affected are species/individuals that cannot move quickly enough to escape the fire/cannot burrow below the extent of the fire. Nests of ground-nesting birds (during the breeding season) are definitely vulnerable, although the adults will abandon them before they are killed themselves”.
Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
Often appearing black from afar, lapwings are often recognised by their iridescent green upperparts and have lively and acrobatic flight displays. While they were once widespread breeders across Britain’s lowlands, surveys have revealed a decline in their breeding areas. This drop has been linked to shifts in farming practices and a rise in nest predation (22).
Conservation status:
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Near Threatened (23)
UK Birds of Conservation Concern - Red (11)
Curlew (Numenius arquata)
Curlews have distinctive, melodic calls which are often heard over moorland and rough grazing at the edges of uplands. They are cherished as a symbol of a healthy and functioning ecosystem. They typically lay 4 eggs per clutch.
Conservation status:
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Near Threatened (24)
UK Birds of Conservation Concern - Red (11)
Merlin (Falco columbarius)
The Merlin is a small and striking falcon, with the females being grey-brown and the males blue-grey in colour. It is a scarce breeding bird of prey in the UK, nesting in upland areas during summer, and salt marshes in winter, where they prey on small birds. They lay 4-5 eggs per clutch.
Conservation status:
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Least Concern (25)
UK Birds of Conservation Concern - Red (11)
Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria)
The Golden Plover is a beautiful upland bird, known for its golden-spotted back and, in breeding season, a bold black breast and belly. During summer, they breed in upland areas and in winter, they can often be found gathering in large flocks with Lapwings in lowland areas. They typically lay 4 eggs per clutch.
Conservation status:
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Least Concern (26)
UK Birds of Conservation Concern - Green (11)
The North Yorkshire Moors National Park ecologist (21) also said, “Reptiles, amphibians and small mammals are vulnerable if the ground is not soft enough for them to burrow down and away from the fire, for example on shallow mineral soils. Many insects will fly away, or burrow beneath the fire (beetles, for example – heather beetle often does this in areas where managed burning is undertaken), but many species of spider are less able to do this, as well as caterpillars, eggs and grubs on foliage.”
A huge thank you to the Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (27) for the information on what animals are most vulnerable to death due to wildfires.
Wildfires in the Cairngorms
Finally, on our whistlestop tour of England and Scotland, we’ll take a look at the Cairngorms. A place of vast, ancient landscapes, where the sense of scale and solitude is almost overwhelming. Sadly, it is also a place prone to wildfires.
Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
The Capercaillie is a very large and elusive bird, now found only in the pine forests of northern Scotland, although it once ranged more widely across Britain and Ireland. Males are noticeably larger than females and are distinguished by their red eye-ring, pale beak, and dark striking plumage. They live in low densities in large forested areas, making them difficult to observe. Since the 1970s, their numbers have declined significantly due to habitat changes, increased predation, and human disturbance. They lay 7-11 eggs per clutch (28).
Conservation status:
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Least Concern (29)
UK Birds of Conservation Concern - Red (11)
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
Golden Eagles are magnificent and majestic birds found mainly in the Scottish Highlands and islands. In 2015, Scotland had 508 breeding pairs, despite continuous persecution from gamebird estates. They lay 2 eggs per clutch (30).
Conservation status:
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Least Concern (31)
UK Birds of Conservation Concern - Green (11)
Common Frog (Rana temporaria)
Common frogs are amphibians that typically breed in ponds during the spring. For the rest of the year, they are often found in habitats like woodlands, gardens, hedgerows, and grassy areas, where they hunt for food. Their diet includes various invertebrates and occasionally smaller amphibians. You’ll struggle to spot them in winter because they will be hibernating.
Conservation status:
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Least Concern (32)
Wildfire prevention tips in the UK
Because wildfires are becoming more common, various fire services have ongoing campaigns to ensure people know how they are started and also what to do in the event of one.
The Wales Wildfire Board (WWB) have launched a campaign called WildfireWise, which aims to educate people about what causes wildfires, how to prevent them, and what to do in case you spot a wildfire. This is what they are distributing to the public to make them aware of what to do:
Everyone has a role to play in preventing wildfires. If you see smoke or fire in the countryside, call 999 immediately and ask for the fire service.
If there is a wildfire near you, call 999, close your windows, the Fire Service will evacuate you if there is a danger.
If you see any suspect a fire has been started deliberately, report it via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or to the Police on 101.
Do not light campfires, discard cigarettes or glass bottles in the countryside, especially during dry weather.
Only light barbeques where signs say you can. Respect local signage and fire warnings – and if you live near fire-prone areas, get to know the guidance available on wildfire prevention.
The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (20) have a similar campaign called Wildfire Warriors.
To become a warrior, you have to:
Take your rubbish home
Have a picnic instead of a BBQ
Respect the landscape and wildlife
Conclusion
I hope you have enjoyed learning all about the wildlife in the UK with me. The nature we are surrounded by is truly magical, and in writing about wildfires, it reminds me how precious our natural world really is. Please join me in spreading awareness surrounding the devastation of wildfires and together let’s do what we can for wildlife and their future generations - whether we are talking about slow worms or lapwings, no animal should be choked or scorched to death. Thank you for reading this and for being a voice for these animals.
Sources
[1] Forest Research - Wildfire. Available at: https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/climate-change/risks/wildfire/
[2] Natural Resource Wales - The Devastating Consequences of Wildfires in Wales. Available at: https://naturalresources.wales/about-us/news-and-blogs/blogs/the-devastating-consequences-of-wildfires-in-wales/?lang=en
[3] With Kind Permission from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service - What is a Wildfire? Available at: https://www.northumberlandfireandrescue.gov.uk/what-is-wildfire
[4] Chantelle Burton et al 2025 Environ. Res. Lett. 20 044003. Available at: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/adb764
[5] Gov.UK - Forestry Commission Wildfire statistics for England: Report to 2020-21 - Summary. Available at:
[6] Forestry England - Forestry England starts clean-up operation following a fire which engulfed 190 hectares of heathland at Wareham Forest, Dorset.
Crown Copyright, courtesy Forestry Commission (2020), licensed under the Open Government Licence.
[7] Email interview with Devon Wildlife Trust. Available at https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/
[8] Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Fire Heathland/Moorland - Dartmoor. Available at: https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/incidents/fire-heathlandmoorland-dartmoor-2025-05-04-14-26
[9] British Trust for Ornithology - Dartford Warbler. Available at: https://www.bto.org/learn/about-birds/birdfacts/dartford-warbler
[10] IUCN Redlist - Dartford Warbler. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22716984/205920935
[11] Birds of Conservation Concern. Available at: https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/publications/bocc-5-a5-4pp-single-pages.pdf
[12] British Trust for Ornithology - Stonechat. Available at: https://www.bto.org/learn/about-birds/birdfacts/stonechat
[13] British Trust for Ornithology - Nightjar. Available at: https://www.bto.org/learn/about-birds/birdfacts/nightjar
[14] IUCN Redlist - Nightjar. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22689887/86103675
[15] IUCN Redlist - Adder. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/47756146/743903
[16] IUCN Redlist - Common lizard. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/243561476/217510164
[17] IUCN Redlist - Grass snake. Available at:
[18] IUCN Redlist - Slow worm. Available at:
[19] IUCN Redlist - Smooth snake. Available at:
[20] Email interview with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service - Firefighters Launch Wildfire Campaign. Available at: https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/news/firefighters-launch-wildfire-campaign
[21] Email interview with ecologist from North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Available at: https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/
[22] British Trust for Ornithology - Lapwing. Available at: https://www.bto.org/learn/about-birds/birdfacts/lapwing
[23] IUCN Redist - Lapwing. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22693949/111044786
[24] IUCN Redist - Curlew. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22693190/117917038
[25] IUCN Redlist - Merlin. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22696453/154505853
[26] IUCN Redlist - Golden Plover. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22693727/86551440
[27] West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Available at: https://www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/
[28] British Trust for Ornithology - Capercaillie. Available at: https://www.bto.org/learn/about-birds/birdfacts/capercaillie
[29] IUCN Redlist - Capercaillie. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22679487/264563031
[30] NatureScot - Golden Eagle https://www.nature.scot/plants-animals-and-fungi/birds/upland-birds/golden-eagle
[31] IUCN Redlist - Golden Eagle. Available at https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22696060/202078899
[32] IUCN Redlist - Common Frog. Available at https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/173101508/89705642
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