On Saturday 24 August, a wildfire spanning more than 800 metres broke out at our Cleaver Heath Nature Reserve. The fire brigade responded swiftly, arriving with four engines at 11:36 am and fully extinguishing the blaze by 12:58 pm. 

We’re extremely grateful to the fire service for their swift and professional response, their quick action prevented what could have been an even more devastating outcome. While we're relieved the blaze was contained, we are deeply concerned about the damage to this rare heathland and the species that depend on it. 

Incidents like this are a stark reminder of just how vulnerable these habitats are and how vital it is that we all play a part in protecting them. 

Immediate impact and response 

The fire appears to have been started by a makeshift firepit constructed directly on the heather at the bottom of the slope. It then spread into neighbouring vegetation and quickly moved across the reserve, undoubtedly accelerated by the long dry spell and the highly flammable nature of the heathland itself. 

Graham Borden Long, our Living Landscape Officer, said: 

“Cleaver Heath is part of the Heswall Dales Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is protected due to the rare and vulnerable habitat found at the reserve. The fire at this time of year will have had a huge impact on a vast number of invertebrates, reptiles, and nesting birds.” 

What makes Cleaver Heath so special? 

Cleaver Heath is a rare and precious lowland heathland that supports a rich mix of wildlife all year round, from butterflies and breeding warblers to kestrels hunting across the heath. Over 50 bird species have been recorded, including linnets, redwings, and winter-visiting woodcock. Scrub and surrounding woodland add even more variety, providing shelter for mammals like foxes, bats, and badgers. Around 85% of UK heathland has been lost over the past 150 years due to agricultural development and conifer planting, making this diverse habitat increasingly rare and vital for many declining species. 

The growing threat of wildfires 

Wildfires are a growing threat to the natural world, especially as climate change brings hotter, drier summers and more extreme weather. These fires don’t just damage the land, they put entire ecosystems and the wildlife that depend on them at serious risk.  

We urge all visitors to help protect Cleaver Heath and other vulnerable landscapes by following these simple but essential guidelines: 

• Pack a picnic, not a BBQ – avoid bringing disposable barbecues or starting open fires anywhere on nature reserves and other wildlife sites. 

• Never discard cigarettes or matches – always extinguish them properly.
• Take all litter home – even glass bottles and cans can start fires in dry conditions.
• If you see smoke or flames, keep a safe distance and call 999 immediately. 

Protecting Cleaver Heath and other rare habitats requires vigilance from all of us. By understanding the risks and following simple safety measures, visitors can help prevent future wildfires and support the recovery of this precious landscape for generations to come. 

For more information on how climate change is impacting our wildlife and habitats, including the increasing threat of wildfires, please see the Wildlife Trusts’ Changing Nature report. 

Donate to help protect Cleaver Heath and other vulnerable habitats. 
Protecting rare habitats like Cleaver Heath takes time, effort, and resources. If you’d like to help us care for these special places, please consider making a donation here.