24/08/2026
Wildfires have dominated both headlines and our own communications this year. We have been reminding the public about what to do if you see flames or smoke in the Hills (report it via 999 as soon as possible!) As a conservation charity, we also feel it’s important to highlight the negative impacts that wildfires can have on our wildlife. Much of the Belfast Hills is heathland, and we have highlighted a number of species that are specific to these unique landscapes to show how wildfires can impact them.
Fires destroy vegetation, soil and seed beds that have developed over a long time. Heathland plants like heather can take years to recover after a wildfire. Wildfires can have long-term impacts on habitat species composition, which can lead to changes such as dominance by fire tolerant plant species. For example, one of the fastest plants to bounce back is Purple Moor Grass, which can then dominate other species, which can disappear. It thrives in the conditions created by a wildfire and spreads rapidly, is quick to grow and dies back in winter, leaving dry tufts/thatch which essentially becomes a layer of tinder. During dry periods, the dead Purple Moor Grass is highly flammable, allowing fires to ignite and spread far more easily and intensely.
In addition, particulates from fires can lead to air pollution, which can have an impact on animals’ respiratory systems, including humans, leading to longer term health issues.
Wildfires kill animals that can't escape the flames or heat. This includes ground-nesting birds, such as skylark, meadow pipit, snipe and stonechat. They can lose nests, eggs and chicks instantly in wildfires, with little chance of escape. Many of these species are of conservation concern, and are already declining. The loss of nesting habitat can also reduce breeding success in subsequent years.
The Common Lizard, our only native reptile, is already rare and is highly vulnerable to fire if it cannot outrun the fast-spreading flames. Fires destroy vegetation which lizards use to hide, leaving them very exposed to predation. Lizards are dependent on insects as a food-source and these can be severely affected by fires.
Research has shown that one group of species predicted to be particularly negatively impacted by climate change are amphibians. Smooth Newts and Common Frogs rely on our uplands as a key area for breeding. Many ponds dry out in summer drought conditions, which can decimate populations of these amphibians. However, having ponds in an area can also be viewed as a potential mitigation factor, to help reduce the impact of drought and fires, and can help habitats to recover.
Dry hot summers are likely to become more common with climate change, so wildfires and drought conditions will become increasingly frequent and severe.
