Visitors down 20% at nature reserve after wildfire

A bird reserve, where a devastating wildfire started, said visitor numbers have fallen by 20% since it reopened.

The fire, which started on 29 July, caused huge damage to Dunwich Heath but is believed to have started at neighbouring RSPB Minsmere.

Minsmere reopened over a week later and figures from the RSPB show over a thousand fewer visitors came to the site between 11-31 August than during the same period the year before.

RSPB area manager Adam Rowlands said: "We want to let visitors know that we have now fully reopened. It is safe to return and to come and experience the wonderful wildlife that the reserve has to offer as we value their continued support."

Firefighters spent almost two weeks tackling the wildfire, which engulfed an area the size of 210 football pitches (150 hectares or 370 acres), destroying wildlife habitats.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue service said it had been unable to determine how the fire started.

Some trails on the reserve are still closed but Rowlands said, while the fire was devastating, "thankfully the vast majority of the nature reserve was not touched by it, including Minsmere's vast wetlands".

The charity launched an "emergency fundraising appeal" after the fire.

Rowlands said there was a lot for visitors to see. He added: "With the arrival of autumn and winter, Minsmere's wetlands come into their own and we've already seen some awesome birdlife including Dunlins, Curlew Sandpipers, Black-tailed Godwits, Marsh Harriers and Great Egrets there to name but a few.

"We look forward to receiving thousands more of our feathered friends to RSPB Minsmere in the coming months and to giving a warm welcome to visitors returning to the reserve."

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