Karen met Julian Woolford, CEO of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and Roaches Warden Jon Rowe this morning to see the damage done by the recent fire up at the Roaches.
There are approximately 250 acres of damage on the Roaches Estate and work needs to continue as there are hot spots where the fire is still alight and goes right down under the peat. There is a lot of danger to the public as the land that has been affected is not stable and there is the risk that should the peat slide, even if due to heavy rainfall, the fire could spread to other areas.
Fire engines are still present and work is currently in place to dampen down the hot spot areas. It is estimated that it will take over 5 years to bring the land back to a healthy state and there have been changes in wildlife, with grouse being displaced and being seen in areas where they wouldn’t normally be.
Karen said,
“It was devastating to see the damage done by the recent fire. Please note that roads around the Estate are closed and the area will be closed to the public during the Bank Holiday weekend.”
Staffordshire Wildlife and Karen would like to thank to all the fire staff, wardens and especially volunteers who have pulled together to carry out this important work.