Climate change increases risk of wildfires in Surrey, report warns

There is an increased risk of fires and water loss to Surrey heathlands as the climate warms, an organisation warned.

A report by the Wildlife Trusts – the UK’s sixth largest landowner – revealed half its reserves have more than 30 days of very high fire risk each year.

Surrey’s heathlands are at particular risk of wildfire from late spring.

The county has experienced serious blazes in recent years including at the wildlife-rich Ash Ranges, Chobham Common and at Bisley last week.

The most recent is estimated to have affected more than 500 hectares, and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service were on site for about three days.

The Wildlife Trusts’ first climate risk assessment, Changing Nature, examined the impacts of the changing climate across its estate.

It found almost all its reserves will see more than 1°C increase on hot summer days by 2050, and 55% of reserves will see nearby river flows drop by more than 30% during times of low flow.

James Herd, director of reserves management at the trust, said: “Every wildfire is a potential tragedy for nature, and it is deeply concerning that a changing climate is putting Surrey’s habitats at greater risk.

“We need more ambitious and urgent action from government, businesses and individuals to reduce the risk and impact of further warming.”