2018 Winter Hill wildfire devastated Smithills estate, peatland recovery may take 200 years.

Six years after the 2018 Winter Hill wildfire devastated the Smithills estate in Greater Manchester, experts report that peatland recovery may take up to 200 years. The fire, which affected a third of the estate and killed approximately 2,000 trees, has seen some regrowth of plants and return of wildlife like kestrels and skylarks. The Woodland Trust is implementing restoration efforts, including managing drainage and conducting fire patrols, as part of the Northern Forest initiative.

September 19, 2024
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