With the heatwave comes heightened risk of fires on the Trust’s nature reserves. Fire damage to these irreplaceable habitats threaten the precious wildlife that depend on them, as well as our local communities. 

The plea follows a near miss incident at The Roaches on Monday 22 June. Thankfully Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) were quick on the scene to extinguish the blaze. With bird nesting season at its peak, this fire could have easily devastated breeding curlew, meadow pipits and birds of prey.  

Jeff Sim, Head of Nature Reserves, says: 

“Looking over the fire site this morning, we see some encouraging signs. The fire caused minimal damage where the sphagnum moss plants are well established in the vegetation as they’ve kept the ground wet.  

“Help us protect these irreplicable habitats by donating to our appeal. As temperatures rise, so does the fire risk. It costs us time and money to respond when disaster strikes. Your donation will help fund our fire prevention work, as well as restoration work in the aftermath of fires.   

“Your contribution will help us rewet more peat and fund equipment to help us reduce the risk of fires spreading. Help us protect these irreplaceable habitats which our wildlife needs to survive.” 

The Roaches and the surrounding moorlands are home to many ground-nesting birds such as curlew, meadow pipits and lapwings, as well as special plants including bog asphodel and sphagnum moss.  

Fires can tear through fragile moorland in a matter of minutes, destroying years of careful conservation work in its wake. They leave wildlife without shelter, food or breeding grounds. Recovery can take decades, even with the intervention and dedicated restoration work of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.  

“Remember it is against the law to start any fires in open countryside in the Staffordshire Moorlands - this includes sky lanterns and fireworks. If anyone sees any smoke in the countryside please dial 999 immediately and ask for the fire service.” 

Donations will fund essential work, including fire prevention measures, habitat restoration, and ongoing care for vulnerable sites.  

Longer, hotter summers are increasing the risk of severe moorland fires, making urgent action more critical than ever.   

People are being urged to act now and donate. Support will help to: 

• Create and maintain firebreaks to slow or stop the spread of fires
• Restore damaged habitats and rewet peat so wildlife can return
• Support volunteers and conservation staff on the ground
• Raise awareness to help prevent fires before they start.