As part of the UK’s drought drama in 2026, one consequence close to home has been wildfires. Two places in our region have grabbed the headlines: Dunwich Heath, and Middlewick in Colchester, with the latter reigniting a few days after its first blaze.
Land ablaze
Statistics strongly suggest that most wildfires are caused, directly or indirectly, intentionally or otherwise, by humans. Discarded bottles or cigarettes, airborne sparks or embers from bonfires, fireworks or vehicles, and more. So it falls to us to decide what to do about it; but first we need to consider it worth protecting.
Both nature reserves have this in common: almost unlimited human access. And therein lies the problem.
All down to humans
I’m a recent visitor to Middlewick, having been involved in a campaign to save it from “disposal” by its owners. I’ve seen the evidence of its open access: discarded detritus, some less harmful than others, and scarring from frequent, heavy passage. It is an open space in the middle of a city: well used and well loved.
When local politicians speak of Middlewick’s value, they almost always frame it in a human context: what use it is to us. After all it is only people whose votes and approval they seek.
Some of the rhetoric after the fires has focused on people’s dismay at the fate of the wildlife on these reserves: “poor wildlife”, I’ve seen more than once. I admit, this anthropomorphic-leaning response leaves me feeling almost as desperate as the fire itself. Natural ecosystems are not our pleasure; they are our vital organs.
Perfect storm
If you google the word “ecosystem”, it says:
“…a community of living things interacting with their physical environment.”
If an ecosystem is in balance, it will generally be healthy and sustainable. Evolution produces living things well suited to their environment. Species can adapt to changing environments and climates, but rapid change can outpace their ability to do so. Our climate is now changing at a rate many wild creatures will struggle to cope with. And of course, fire threatens their survival directly and immediately.
(L) Image by Richard Martin | (R) Image by Andrew Neal. Both used with permission
Also, rapid climate warming means there is a significant increase in the frequency, intensity and longevity of these disastrous events. Wildfires do occur in nature, but nowhere near as regularly as in recent times in places like Middlewick.
Warmer temperatures and increased human activity together have multiplied the risk.
We need these places
This is the challenge with places like Middlewick and Dunwich Heath. We must think hard about how to protect them, because they provide for us.
Places rich in biodiversity are vital organs in the planet’s ecosystem. They provide homes and sustenance for pollinators, without which we cannot grow food. They act as flood buffers, slowing water that might otherwise become floodwater. They provide cool areas that heat less quickly than concrete in hot sun, helping reduce air temperatures. Trees provide shade and absorb carbon, as do grasslands and wetlands. And all for free.
Natural systems have evolved over time in ways that also protect us. We simply cannot replace them with something manufactured. Plastic grass, for example, does the opposite of its natural equivalent and will eventually break down into microplastic pollution. It provides no food or solace for any living thing.
It’s not there solely for us
Middlewick has particular value because it is acid grassland. To protect this rare and threatened ecosystem, we must identify where it is most vulnerable to fires, then act to prevent them. Where fire is unavoidable, we must plan to limit damage to the most vital elements of its ecology.
It is valuable as a green space for humans only while it survives as an ecosystem. Our sense of entitlement to it fans the flames of the clamour to save it. A collective sense of responsibility toward it requires similar solidarity and strength of feeling.
The erratic, less predictable nature of our weather also now makes it harder to assess risks and plan ahead. But assess, plan and mitigate we must.
I am told our political representatives are keen to have this discussion. It needs to be considered, well-informed and value the fundamental, intrinsic importance of Middlewick as well as its “utility” for “recreation”.
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