Minsmere wildfire appeal

On Wednesday 29 July, RSPB Minsmere was struck by wildfire. The fire service and RSPB site teams and partners worked tirelessly to contain the blaze and protect local communities and as much precious wildlife as possible. We’re so grateful for everyone who has supported the effort. 

We don’t know the cause of the wildfire but we do know the severity of wildfires is increasing due to hot, drier conditions and prolonged dry periods.  

Thanks to a huge team effort the situation is stabilised and the immediate threat over. And thanks to the amazing generosity of RSPB supporters, local donors and fundraisers, and the East Suffolk Trust, fundraising for the recovery is off to an incredible start.

But the road to recovery and work to help prevent and manage future fires is complex and long. Donate today to support the recovery and conservation of this important and much-loved nature reserve. 

RSPB Minsmere is a very special place, famed internationally as an iconic site for wildlife conservation. More than 6,000 different animals, plants and fungi have been recorded at Minsmere – more than on any other RSPB reserve and amongst the highest number of any nature reserve in the UK.  

Minsmere’s habitats include four of national conservation priority: reedbeds, lowland wet grassland, shingle vegetation and lowland heath. These habitats support a wide range of bird, plant and invertebrate populations of international conservation importance.  

Sadly, the blaze has badly affected Minsmere’s largest area of heathland habitat, which many species thrive on. The total area is approximately 30 hectares, or around 40 football pitches. Rare bird species such as Dartford Warblers, Woodlarks and Nightjars were able to escape the worst of the flames but returned to find their habitat destroyed.  

We have a great track record of restoring heathland, and we know what needs to be done. We just need the funds to do it. Thank you so much for any support you can give. 

We’re so grateful for all the messages of concern and the practical and financial support we’ve received already. Minsmere means so much to so many people. 

All donations will support the recovery and conservation of RSPB Minsmere and the surrounding habitat.