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Wildfire Fear Grips Rare Wildlife Reserve
16 Aug
Summary
- Reserve manager fears tinder-dry conditions could cause devastating wildfire.
- Endangered great crested newts struggle as breeding ponds dry out.
- A disposable BBQ caused a small fire at the reserve recently.
Philip Parker, manager of Kings Dyke Nature Reserve near Peterborough, has expressed profound fear regarding the potential for a wildfire. The ongoing tinder-dry conditions have left him "frightened to death" of a blaze breaking out at his site. This anxiety is amplified by a recent major wildfire at Holme Fen Nature Reserve, located approximately five miles away.
Parker shared that endangered species like great crested newts are already struggling this year, as their breeding ponds have nearly completely dried out. He stated he wakes up each morning expecting news of a fire. A disposable barbecue recently caused a small fire at Kings Dyke, underscoring the vulnerability of the 120-acre reserve.
Despite recent successes, such as a record-breaking 188 moth species identified during the annual survey, the risk of habitat destruction from a wildfire looms large. The reserve is situated adjacent to Forterra brickworks.
