In May 2020 large areas of Wareham Forest were destroyed by a ferocious forest fire. This land was home to important wildlife, including rare birds, plants, reptiles and insects.
Believed to have been started by disposable BBQs, the blaze scorched heathland, destroyed woodlands and wiped out critical habitats for wildlife across an area equivalent to the size of 350 football pitches.
Thanks to the generous support of hundreds of people, our fundraising appeal raised over £5,000.
How we’re helping to restore the forest and plan for the future
- We’ve replanted thousands of trees to replace some of those destroyed by the blaze, and we’ve left large areas unplanted, to expand existing areas of heathland and connect them through unplanted corridors.
- We will start to restore wildlife and habitats destroyed by the blaze by creating new breeding sites for rare reptiles, and placing new bat boxes in the affected areas.
- We will make changes to protect the area from fire in the future by creating new fire breaks and buying more fire-fighting equipment and animal rescue kits.
Wareham Forest is a stronghold for wildlife and much of it is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is one of the few places where it is still possible to find all six of the UK’s native reptiles, including the endangered smooth snake and sand lizard, and it is home to many rare species of birds and insects. As a result of the public fundraising, restoring Wareham Forest to its former glory is now underway, ensuring it can continue to be a special place for all who spend time in it for many years to come.
Some words from our donors
“I live in Wareham and walk my dog and cycle regularly in Wareham Forest. The fire devastated a place in which I regularly find solace and I want to help restore what was lost.”
“I've been going to Wareham Forest for the last 25 years, and my family for generations. It means so much to me. My parents were in tears when they read the news.”
“I was walking in Wareham Forest the day the fire started and was horrified by how quickly it spread and the resulting devastation. There is a real feeling of helplessness when you see fire engulf a place you love. I hope that this donation, along with others, will help the speed the forest's recovery with new tree planting and other conservation projects.”
