Environmental leaders are urging people to take extra care in the countryside after a series of devastating wildfires this summer, warning that hotter, drier conditions mean protected landscapes are becoming increasingly vulnerable.

One of the most destructive fires of the year tore through 371 acres of Dunwich Heath in the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape last week, destroying internationally important heathland and causing extensive damage to habitats that support some of the UK's rarest wildlife, including nightjars, Dartford warblers and adders.

The blaze, which broke out last Wednesday evening on land owned by the National Trust and RSPB Minsmere, saw more than 100 firefighters tackle what was declared a major incident.

Simon Amstutz, Manager of Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape, said: "We have seen the devastation to people, wildlife and landscapes that can be caused by wildfires here in Suffolk at Dunwich Heath and beyond. This has been widely reported in the national and social media. I would urge everyone to be extremely cautious in any activities that may contribute to inadvertent fires, we have seen here how quickly they can develop and become uncontrollable causing widespread harm.

"It was only a couple of weeks ago we hosted a conference in association with several partners that came and looked at the outstanding landscapes on the Suffolk Coast. Many of those areas that contribute so much to local people, visitors and thriving tourism industry are now destroyed and early indications are that they will take at least 5-10 years to recover."

The fire comes as England and Wales have provisionally recorded their driest July on record, with southern England experiencing its driest July ever. More than half of both countries are now officially in drought, placing increasing pressure on wildlife, communities, agriculture and the precious habitats found within protected landscapes.

Bruce Winney, Policy Lead at the National Landscapes Association, said: “Wildfires like this are devastating for wildlife, in particular for such special places like Dunwich Heath where there are lots of animals and plants. Years of work looking after the area by dedicated teams has been undone and it will take a decade for the heath to fully recover. It must also have been really scary for those residents and visitors that had to be evacuated at such short notice.

"With more frequent heat waves we need to look after these precious places that are so important to both locals and the visitors they attract."

The Dunwich Heath fire is one of 393 wildfires attended by fire and rescue services across England and Wales during July. Other significant fires this summer have damaged more than 25 square kilometres of moorland and forestry in the Cairngorms National Park, scorched around 2,350 hectares in the Rhinogydd mountains in Gwynedd, and burned ancient woodland at Abbott's Wood in Sussex.

Scientists warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme heat, making wildfires an increasingly serious risk across the UK. Alongside long-term action to adapt landscapes and build resilience, environmental leaders say simple actions by the public can play a vital role in preventing fires from starting.

John Watkins, Chief Executive of the National Landscapes Association, said: “Wildfires are no longer rare events. They are becoming one of the defining challenges facing our protected landscapes as climate change brings hotter, drier summers and longer periods of extreme weather.

"Every wildfire destroys years of conservation work in a matter of hours, threatens wildlife, puts communities and emergency services at risk, and damages landscapes that are essential for nature, climate resilience, food production and people's wellbeing.

"While we must continue adapting our landscapes to become more resilient, prevention is something every one of us can help with. By following fire safety guidance, avoiding activities that could spark a blaze and remaining vigilant outdoors, we can all play a part in protecting these extraordinary places for future generations."

Wildfire Prevention Advice from the National Fire Chiefs Council 

Help prevent wildfires by:

• Having campfires and barbecues in designated areas and ensure they are extinguished fully with water
• Supervising campfires or barbecues, never leave them unattended
• Disposing of litter properly – items such as glass bottles can focus the sun’s rays and start a fire
• Never setting off sky lanterns
• Disposing of cigarettes and smoking materials safely – ensure they are properly extinguished and don’t drop cigarettes or throw them from a car window.

Further advice can be found here