'Apocalyptic' damage as Cairngorms wildfire burns for two weeks
A wildfire in Scotland's Cairngorms National Park has burned for two weeks, destroying 10 square miles of moorland and woodland. Conservationists describe the damage as apocalyptic, noting significant loss of wildlife and habitats.
Why it matters
The event highlights the increasing threat of wildfires to biodiversity and protected natural landscapes in temperate regions.
Image source, RSPB Scotland Image caption, The fire has burned through about 10 sq miles of moorland and woodland
A wildfire that has burned for two weeks in the Cairngorms National Park has left an "apocalyptic" scene of devastation, say park bosses.
The fire has destroyed about 10 sq miles (25 sq km) of moorland and forestry near Aviemore since Wednesday 15 July.
Malcolm Smith, farming advisor to the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), said: "You are passing through just bare forest now and birds flying about looking for their nests."
RSPB Scotland, whose Loch Garten reserve at Abernethy has been badly burned, said it could takes weeks before the fire was extinguished.
Image source, Paul Turner/RSPB Scotland Image caption, The remains of wild birds' eggs in an area of burned heather at RSPB Scotland's Loch Garten Nature Reserve at Abernethy
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