The National Trust has called on Andy Burnham to make climate resilience a "national mission" led by a Cabinet-level minister, following a devastating wildfire at its Dunwich Heath site in Suffolk. The charity's director-general, Hilary McGrady, made the plea as an appeal to restore the reserve has raised £350,000 so far.
Urgent plea for government action
Ms McGrady said: "The climate crisis long predicted by scientists is happening here and now. Ferocious wildfires, unprecedented temperatures and record-breaking droughts are already hitting communities and nature across the UK – they are not a distant threat. Tackling this emergency must be a cross-Government priority because it touches every aspect of our lives, our society and our economy."
The National Trust has launched a petition to demonstrate public support for the demand, urging people to sign it. The charity is also asking the government to support fire and rescue services with funding.
Devastation at Dunwich Heath
The wildfire at Dunwich Heath devastated an area equivalent to 146 football pitches of rare heathland, with recovery expected to take decades. A full inspection of the site has yet to take place because the incident is described as "live but stable".
Russell Clement, general manager at Dunwich Heath, commented: "We’re still coming to terms with the loss and challenging task of assessing the damage, making the site safe and planning for its recovery is only just beginning."
He added: "The heathland which was so special for so many is now unrecognisable but we will do everything in our power to bring nature back to this special corner of Suffolk – so that it’s home once more to the many species that lived there like the Dartford warbler, nightjar, skylark and various butterflies and reptiles."
Ms McGrady said: "Dunwich Heath is just the latest alarm call telling us that things must change. I’ve visited the landscape many times – it’s usually a haze of purple teeming with wildlife. The scale of the damage caused by a single blaze is shocking and without the actions of all those who helped, it could have been even worse."
She added: "People are doing their bit across the country. We need Government to do the same."
