An RSPB reserve - home to the most northerly remnant native woodland in Britain- has escaped serious damage following a devastating fire on the Orkney island of Hoy
The beautiful and unique Berriedale Wood is Orkney’s largest stretch of ancient forest. The native woodland is thought to date back thousands of years before the arrival of humans on the Northern Isles. The RSPB’s reserve is mostly moorland and seacliff, home to seabirds like the Great Skua and Puffins, a few woodland birds and majestic birds of prey such as the hen harrier and peregrine.
Fire crews from Longhope, with support from Stromness, were called to the scene on Sunday afternoon after a fire at the north end of Rackwick Valley began to spread rapidly across the small island directly toward the Berriedale wood. It took fire-fighters, assisted by a helicopter, more than 24 hours to dampen the flames
Commenting on the incident, RSPB Scotland’s Orkney Reserves Manager, Andy Knight said; “This was a stressful day for the residents of Hoy. We would like to thank fire-fighters from Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service and local residents for their immense efforts in tackling this significant fire. The main wildlife concern on the reserve was for the Berriedale wood, and this had a remarkably close shave. If it hadn’t been for their bravery and commitment Hoy may have lost this rich habitat forever. "
“From early indications it looks like a couple of bird of prey nest sites may have been lost. Hopefully, as the breeding season is just getting underway, the birds affected will be able to find new sites and prepare new nests. Our priority now is to assess the extent of the damage."
Scott Hay, Area Manager with Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service added: "Fire crews responded and attended a substantial wild land fire on the island of Hoy at around 2pm on Sunday afternoon.Thanks to multi agency assistance from the local community, a helicopter, RSPB staff and two rangers we were able to extinguish the blaze, which at its peak had a 400 metre fire front. Our investigations have indicated that approximately 1000 acres of heather and heath land has been damaged. Fortunately, thanks to this concerted effort, we were able to dampen the flames before they destroyed the native woodland at Berriedale."
Story from RSPB