Country park wildfire damage still being assessed

More than a week on from a huge wildfire at a country park, the scale of devastation is still being assessed with grassland and wildlife habitats severely affected.

No cause has yet been identified for the fire which ripped through more than 50 acres of Mincinglake Valley Park on the edge of Exeter on 11 August prompting the call out of 20 fire crews.

Devon Wildlife Trust, which manages the park, said habitats had been destroyed by the fire which engulfed large areas of grassland and asked the public to avoid badly burnt areas of the site.

The trust said nature could be resilient and hoped that given time, the area could "once again be a thriving wildlife-rich area".

Devon Wildlife Trust manages the site on behalf of owners Exeter City Council and staff from both organisations have been on site to asses the damage caused.

The trust said grassland, shrub and hedgerow homes of animals including songbirds, butterflies, moths, harvest mice and field voles had all been affected.

Matt Boydell, Devon Wildlife Trust's land manager, said: "It's very sad to see the impact the fire has had at Mincinglake, the loss of habitat for wildlife, and the impact on people locally who use the valley park for their daily walk, early morning run or an hour of birdwatching.

"But nature is incredibly resilient, given time and support it will return over the coming weeks and months and, in a few years, will once again be a thriving wildlife-rich area."

The trust asked for patience from the public and said it was working with the council on a recovery plan and work to restore "this much-loved urban green space as a place for the local community and wildlife".

The trust, which manages 60 nature reserves across the county, is trying to raise funds to restore landscapes and is asking people to play a part in preventing other fires by avoiding barbecues and campfires, and being vigilant.

A full report into the blaze at Mincinglake is expected from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service in the coming weeks.

A separate fire broke out at Barley Valley Park earlier in August.

Exeter is surrounded by country parks such as Ludwell Valley and Riverside Valley Park.

Duncan Wood, the Exeter City Council member responsible for public realm management, said: "Mincinglake Valley Park is in good hands with Devon Wildlife Trust and I have no doubt that the area will recover in good time and continue playing a big part in the lives of local people and local wildlife."

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