'Even a single spark can have devastating consequences': National Trust closes Long Mynd roads after wildfire

The snow gates on the Long Mynd’s roads will be closed until the risk of wildfires has reduced, the National Trust has said.

Roads over the Long Mynd are closed to traffic after a wildfire broke out on the plateau yesterday afternoon (July 19).

The blaze, which affected around 800 square metres of gorse and peat, was one of at least nine outdoor fires tackled by the emergency services on Sunday.

After the incident at the beauty spot, a spokesperson for the National Trust said the plateau’s snow gates would be closed until the risk of wildfire had reduced.

The gates - which were installed in 2015 - are located across the main access routes over the hill, on Burway Road, Ratlinghope and Asterton Bank, and usually closed to traffic whenever winter conditions make driving too dangerous.

Dominic Bowyer, countryside manager for the National Trust, said: "A wildfire broke out behind Pole Cottage on the Long Mynd yesterday evening at around 6pm.

“Thanks to the swift response from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, the fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished before it could spread further.

"For everyone's safety, the snow gates will remain closed until the risk of further wildfire has reduced.”

Mr Bowyer warned that weeks of dry weather have left the landscape extremely vulnerable: “The Long Mynd is home to grazing sheep and a wildfire can have a devastating impact on farmers and graziers whose livelihoods depend on these hills.

“Fires also destroy important habitats for ground‑nesting birds, rare invertebrates and many other species that make this landscape so special.”

He urged visitors to take extra care: “We’re asking everyone visiting the countryside to help us prevent wildfires by leaving BBQs and campfires at home, not smoking on the hills, taking all litter home with them, and calling 999 immediately if they see any signs of fire.

“Even a single spark can have devastating consequences, so we all have a part to play in protecting this special place for people, nature and the farming community.”