Mournes fires: National Trust warns of lasting damage as new report highlights fragile landscape

The Mourne Mountains, a cherished natural treasure in Northern Ireland, are still reeling from the catastrophic wildfire that scorched 720 acres in April 2021, with recent fires further threatening the region’s delicate ecosystems.

A new report from the National Trust, titled the Donard Nature Recovery Report, has laid bare the “extremely worrying” state of the landscape, underscoring the long-term impacts of the 2021 blaze and outlining urgent measures to restore the area’s biodiversity and resilience.

The report, focusing on the Mournes’ fragile habitats, particularly around Slieve Donard—Northern Ireland’s highest peak—reveals a landscape struggling to recover.

The 2021 fire devastated vegetation, reduced species diversity, and left habitats such as peatlands and montane heath in an “unfavourable condition.” Recent wildfires across the Mournes have compounded these challenges, raising concerns about the region’s ability to withstand further environmental pressures.

Melina Quinn, National Trust Nature Conservation Adviser, described the scale of the damage:

“The 2021 fire has had a devastating and lasting impact on the surrounding environment which is a precious and scientifically important area, home to a rich variety of wildlife and habitats that need care.

“This report highlights that nature is being subjected to a myriad of threats and pressures; from recreation, burning, grazing, ammonia deposition, land use changes and climate change.

“We now have evidence of catastrophic declines in invertebrates following the 2021 wildfire - a change on this scale, three years after the initial burn provides evidence of a significant ongoing impact. This, in addition to the unfavourable condition of our priority habitats is extremely worrying.”

A Landscape Under Threat

The Donard Nature Recovery Report provides a sobering assessment of the Mournes’ ecological health. Key findings include:

• Peatland Degradation: Monitoring revealed peatlands in poor condition, with 65% grass cover (exceeding the target of less than 50%), dwarf shrub cover at just 20.5% (below the target of over 33%), and erosion in 22% of plots (well above the target of under 2%).

• Wildfire Recovery: While grasses have shown quick recovery, dwarf shrubs remain depleted, with cover dropping from 53% in 2021 (pre-fire) to 41% in 2024.

• Invertebrate Collapse: Surveys in 2024 showed a stark decline in invertebrate diversity and abundance in burnt areas, with only 18 species recorded compared to 48 in unburnt areas, and a 90% reduction in invertebrate numbers. This loss threatens birds and lizards that rely on insects for food.

• Montane Heath Pressures: The fragile montane heath on Slieve Donard and Commedagh faces threats from grazing, trampling by hill walkers, and nitrogen deposition, with recommendations to reduce these pressures to bolster resilience.

• Ammonia and Nitrogen: Northern Ireland has the UK’s highest levels of atmospheric nitrogen, contributing to biodiversity loss. Vegetation on Slieve Donard appears worse than expected given nitrogen levels.

• Wildfire Risk: The Great Moisture Survey (2023) identified areas like Slievenamaddy with low fuel moisture, increasing the risk of ignition in future wildfires.

The report also highlights the role of climate change in exacerbating wildfire dynamics, with the Pau Costa Foundation’s 2023 analysis identifying areas where strategic management could reduce flame length and fire spread.

Innovative Recovery Efforts

In response to the 2021 fire, the National Trust, which manages 526 hectares of upland habitat in the Eastern Mournes, has implemented a range of recovery strategies. These include conservation grazing, peatland restoration, path maintenance, and a wildfire prevention plan, supported by partnerships such as the Forever Mournes initiative.

Patrick Doran, National Trust Ecologist, highlighted the success of conservation grazing:

“Some of the measures we’re using in fire recovery include the targeting of grazing management and digitally analysing their grazing behaviour - this lets us better understand their impact on the habitats.

“By using innovative ‘no fence’ technology and introducing Luing cattle to the mountain to graze the invasive course grasses that thrived following the fire, we have accelerated habitat recovery.

“A collaborative approach to managing these upland habitats with our local farmer has been the key to the success of this project. Conservation grazing is proving to be an invaluable tool in the recovery and management of these habitats – it also helps to build resilience into the landscape by reducing the risk of fires.”

Peatland restoration, funded by Starling Bank, is another critical effort. By restoring deep peat habitats on Slieve Donard, the National Trust aims to store carbon, slow water flow, and prevent erosion, benefiting species like red grouse, skylark, raven, and kestrel.

James Fisher, National Trust Ranger, explained:

“We also hope this work will improve drought and fire resilience by holding water in the landscape during the summer months ahead. The Mournes have also seen an increasing number of people visiting and through our pathwork restoration and maintenance we encourage people to stick to the paths, protecting habitats from trampling.”

Volunteers and funding from Starling Bank, DAERA’s Challenge Fund, and Environment Fund have been instrumental in these efforts.

Government Support and Future Plans

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) welcomed the report, noting its importance for wildfire prevention and recovery across Northern Ireland. A DAERA spokesperson said:

“DAERA note that the detailed monitoring report by the National Trust outlines how detrimental unplanned wildfires are for biodiversity in our uplands. The monitoring, modelling and post fire recovery will feed into a wider discussion on wildfire prevention and post fire recovery for the Mournes and across Northern Ireland.

“The Department is pleased to support this practical work, field trials and stakeholder engagement and look forward to this work continuing so that any lessons on wildfire prevention can be implemented in the Mournes and other upland areas.”

DAERA also expressed concern about ongoing wildfires and plans to develop a new Wildfire Plan for the Mournes, urging the public to use the countryside responsibly during periods of high fire risk.

A Call for Collective Action

The Donard Nature Recovery Report underscores the urgent need to protect the Mournes’ unique ecosystems from further degradation. With climate change intensifying wildfire risks and human activities adding pressure, the National Trust’s efforts offer hope for recovery—but sustained action is critical.

The full report is available at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/donard-nature-recovery-plan.

As the Mournes face an uncertain future, the National Trust’s work serves as a reminder of the fragility of our natural landscapes and the importance of collective responsibility in preserving them for generations to come.