North Wales forest fires contribute to half a million pound bill to repair ‘devastation’ to wildlife

Forest fires in North Wales have contributed to a large bill of half a million pounds to repair damage caused to woodland areas.

Officers from Natural Resources Wales have taken to social media to explain the devastation caused to Wales’ landscape and wildlife.

The action comes following a spate of wildfires across Wales over recent weeks which have seen large areas of forests destroyed and wildlife killed.

It has also seen additional pressure placed on emergency services who have had to respond to the fires during the coronavirus pandemic.

It is hoped the message will encourage people to think twice before setting a fire in Wales’ woodland – whether deliberate or accidental.

The worst affected areas have been Bangor, Afon Wen in Dolgellau, Afan Forest, Gwaun Hepste in Penderyn, Kilvey Hill in Swansea, Esgairdafydd near Llanwrtyd Wells and Plas y Mynydd in Ceredigion.

🔥 Wildfires have caused over £500k of damage to forestry we manage.
⬇️ Here’s James Roseblade explaining why this needs to stop.
☎️ Report it: police 101 | Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
📖 https://t.co/I7k2M3HtQd#DawnsGlaw@mawwfire @SWFireandRescue @NorthWalesFire pic.twitter.com/qbP8HTNSXD

— Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru | Natural Resources Wales (@NatResWales) May 20, 2020

Forestry manager James Roseblade said: “With the climate and nature emergencies that we are all facing, wildfires are the last thing the Welsh landscape needs.

“The fires have resulted in a significant financial loss of £500k to NRW. This includes the loss of thousands of newly planted trees.

“The impact on nature and wildlife, particularly at this time of year with ground-nesting birds, is absolutely devastating.”

Dylan Williams, an operations manager in north Wales, said: “One of the fires was caused by a rogue spark from a garden fire causing it to spread into the forest. Before setting that garden fire, please think about whether it is essential or not. Things can so easily get out of hand.

“Where fires are being set deliberately, the offenders are not only damaging the environment, they are putting themselves, emergency services, and local residents in real danger.

“NRW is working with the fire and rescue service, police and other partners through Operation Dawns Glaw to prevent fires of this nature and I would ask anyone who witnesses someone setting a fire, or has information about who is setting fires, to report it to police by calling 101.”

To report a fire as it is happening call 999. To report information about a fire call 101.

You can also pass on information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.