National Trust staff looking after the Long Mynd in the Church Stretton area have described an "incredibly tense" period as high temperatures raise the risk of wildfires across the moorland.
Recent fire and restricted access
Gates leading onto the Long Mynd have been shut to reduce the risk of vehicle-borne ignition, although they remain unlocked so walkers can still access the hill. The decision follows a call-out of three fire crews to a blaze close to a cottage on Pole Bank at about 16:40 BST on Sunday, where crews found gorse and peat alight.
"There's very little green ground - the trees are green, but the hillsides are browned off,"
The area manager, Patrick Edwards, emphasised the strain on the landscape as prolonged heat dries out vegetation across the site's upland heath.
Why the site is vulnerable
The Long Mynd comprises more than 5,000 acres of upland heathland and is a registered common and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It supports wild ponies, ground-nesting birds, specialised plants, insects and other wildlife that depend on the moor's vegetation. Mr Edwards warned that losing habitat to wildfire would have long-term impacts on that wildlife and on the farmers and commoners who depend on the land for grazing.
- Gates closed to vehicles but left unlocked for pedestrian access
- Extra evening patrols and weekend staff present on the hills
- Signage, banners and social media messages advising against barbecues
Public behaviour remains a concern
Staff are focusing on visibility and engagement on evenings and weekends because, as Mr Edwards pointed out, it is often people visiting after dark who present the greatest fire risk. Despite warnings, the trust says some visitors still light barbecues close to signs that forbid them.
Those who use the common land for livelihoods — the local commoners and graziers — have a direct interest in preserving the vegetation for sheep and other stock that rely on the moor for fodder and for their place in local markets.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Site | Long Mynd (Church Stretton) |
| Size | More than 5,000 acres of upland heathland |
| Recent incident | Gorse and peat fire near Pole Bank, three fire crews, c.16:40 BST |
| Access | Vehicle gates closed; pedestrian access maintained 24/7 |
Visitors planning to head up onto the Long Mynd should heed the clear signage and the trust's requests: avoid barbecues and other open flames, keep to designated routes where possible and be vigilant about the risk that even a small ember can start a large fire under dry conditions. The National Trust is maintaining visible patrols and has asked the public to help protect the place they come to enjoy.
For people travelling from Church Stretton or the surrounding villages, be prepared for the gates to remain closed to vehicles for the time being and expect more staff presence on summer evenings as efforts continue to reduce ignition risk while the hot spell persists.
