Rare animals threatened as wildfire ravages New Forest heathland
A major wildfire in the New Forest, triggered by a vehicle fire, is threatening rare heathland and protected wildlife. Firefighters are working to contain the blaze, which experts note is part of a broader trend of increasing wildfire frequency linked to climate change.
Why it matters
The destruction of rare habitats highlights the increasing vulnerability of ecosystems to climate-driven extreme weather events.
New Forest heathland is home to wildlife including all six UK native reptiles, Dartford warblers, nightjars, insects and wild ponies. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA New Forest heathland is home to wildlife including all six UK native reptiles, Dartford warblers, nightjars, insects and wild ponies. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA Wildfires Rare animals threatened as wildfire ravages New Forest heathland More than 120 firefighters tackling blaze that started on Sunday after van caught fire near habitat ‘rarer than rainforest’
Prefer the Guardian on Google More than 120 firefighters are tackling a “devastating” blaze on internationally protected heathland in the New Forest.
The area hit by the blaze, which started after a van caught fire on the A31 near Ringwood on Sunday, is protected heathland that is home to a number of rare species, according to the New Forest national park authority.
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