Heather seeds spread as work to restore forest wildfire site gets under way
Reported by BBC News ·
Fire damage across the site
The wildfire spread across heathland, stripping away surface plants before burning underground through roots and seed banks. It also damaged ancient woodland and burned through a surface layer of peat in some boggy areas, reducing their capacity to store carbon.
Heather seed aids recovery
Forestry England has begun restoration work, spreading seed-filled heather harvested from nearby parts of the forest across the worst-hit areas. The seed is intended to create a protective mat and encourage new plants to grow.
Protecting ancient trees
The account also refers to another area that was fully restored almost 40 years later, saying it is now thriving. It does not make clear whether that describes the current fire site or a separate area.
Key points
- The wildfire damaged rare heathland, ancient woodland and peat in a national park.
- The fire service's estimated cost was £600,000.
- Heather seed from nearby parts of the forest has been spread across the worst-hit ground.
- Forestry England reports early green shoots, while teams consider how to protect ancient tree roots.