Wildfire Recovery Fund Launched
During July and August, a wildfire raged for over three weeks across Abernethy and Glenmore in the Cairngorms National Park.
This fire burned the most biodiverse place in the UK, and some of Britain’s greatest natural treasures including a large remnant of the ancient Caledonian forest. It burnt over high ridges and threatened nearby communities including Glenmore and Nethy Bridge.
The response to combat the fire was momentous and the firefighting was ongoing for almost 2 months. The combined efforts of the emergency services, rural workers and community volunteers have been unprecedented. There remains dedication and appetite by all involved to safeguard this special and cherished place.
While every effort to contain and control the blaze was made, a significant area of Abernethy National Nature Reserve has been burnt. Approximately 25km2 were burnt. This poses a significant setback to efforts to expand the native woodland and enhance habitats for the past 30 years. Many of the 5000 different species recorded in Abernethy Forest may have been able to flee the flames, but large areas of their habitats have been impacted. Abernethy remains one of the most highly designated sites in the UK and we believe it now needs all the help it can get. It is the largest remaining tract of Ancient Caledonian Pinewood where species such as capercaillie and golden eagles will have been directly affected by this inferno.
The forest and peatland locked away carbon, helping to fight climate change. The forest also provided many benefits to the local community and was a popular place for recreation and nature tourism. Rivers flowing from the forest carry cold, clean water, helping to sustain livelihoods based on the salmon fishing and malt whisky industries further downstream. Without significant and long-term funding for recovery, the benefits of the forest for people will be reduced.
Through this fundraising campaign, set up and run by Friends of Abernethy, we will work together with local stakeholders in funding restoration and enhancement of Abernethy National Nature Reserve and surrounds.
Our goal is to raise £50,000 and the campaign will focus on the two key themes, while supporting local contractors and suppliers:
- Future wildfire mitigation measures to safeguard and improve habitats, infrastructure and community resilience.
- Direct restoration and enhancement of habitats lost due to the fire.
We want our children to enjoy the forest again as we did and never to experience such an event again. As we move from the response phase into the recovery operation, we feel a sense of need to remain part of this crucial operation to safeguard and enhance one of our most cherished landscapes. Now that the flames have been extinguished, this is our call to action – a small group of volunteers determined to restore Abernethy to its former glory.
We, and the interconnected landscapes and wildlife of the Cairngorms would be eternally grateful if you could contribute to this fund. Support us today and be part of the wildfire recovery.
Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has been involved in fighting this fire. A further thanks go to everyone who has supported the emergency services or donated to the local communities. It has been a heroic effort by everyone involved.