Wildfire-ravaged habitats in Wales could take centuries to recover, environmentalists say
Environmental experts warn that wildfires in Wales have caused severe damage to upland peat habitats that may take centuries to recover. The loss of soil and vegetation is expected to increase flood risks and negatively impact local biodiversity.
Why it matters
The long-term destruction of natural carbon sinks like peatlands exacerbates climate change and highlights the vulnerability of ecosystems to extreme weather events.
Image source, PATRICK O'NEILL Image caption, A fire in the Rhinogydd mountains in Gwynedd started on the Harlech side of the range, before spreading towards Trawsfynydd
Image source, PATRICK O'NEILL Image caption, The blaze spread across over 2,000 acres
Image source, PATRICK O'NEILL Image caption, The fire burned for nearly two weeks, before eventually being doused by a specialist helicopter, and rain
Image source, PATRICK O'NEILL Image caption, When a wildfire broke out near the Sychnant Pass in Conwy in July, it triggered a major incident
Image source, PATRICK O'NEILL Image caption, Villagers in nearby Capelulo were evacuated as the fire spread across more than 200 acres
Image source, PATRICK O'NEILL Image caption, The Pensychnant Conservation Centre in Conwy saw about one-third of its 150 acres burnt out, and could take "decades" to recover
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in