Recovery work is beginning after the New Forest heathland fire affected more than 100 hectares. Recovery work is beginning after the New Forest heathland fire affected more than 100 hectares.The fire started on 9 August and led to the closure of the A31, causing significant disruption for residents, businesses and visitors before the road reopened on Saturday 22 August.Local organisations are now assessing damage to the landscape and infrastructure, while gathering evidence to understand the effects on communities, tourism, passing trade and other businesses across the area.New Forest Distric
Recovery work is beginning after the New Forest heathland fire affected more than 100 hectares.
The fire started on 9 August and led to the closure of the A31, causing significant disruption for residents, businesses and visitors before the road reopened on Saturday 22 August.
Local organisations are now assessing damage to the landscape and infrastructure, while gathering evidence to understand the effects on communities, tourism, passing trade and other businesses across the area.
New Forest District Council leader Councillor Jill Cleary said the priority was to “support our communities and local businesses” and strengthen the area’s resilience to future wildfires.
Forestry England has mapped affected heathland, mature trees and wildlife habitats, with specialist teams drawing on experience from previous fires to develop plans for restoring the site.
Michael Pittock from Forestry England said the damage was “considerable” and warned that recovery would take decades, although work could help nature recover and wildlife return.
An existing protection order continues to prohibit fires, barbecues and outdoor cooking equipment in the New Forest, while partners will review lessons from the incident and improve future preparedness.
