A fire that tore through part of Walkmill Meadows Nature Reserve in Market Drayton, Shropshire, is believed to have been started deliberately, according to the fire service. Crews were called to the site off Salisbury Hill View at 17:50 BST on Monday and brought the blaze under control before it could spread further into the reserve. No injuries were reported.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters arrived to find long grass, undergrowth and bracken burning rapidly across an area of roughly 20 square metres. Crews worked to stop the flames reaching nearby trees, warning that failure to do so could have triggered a much larger wildfire across the reserve.
What evidence points to arson?
The fire service said investigators found signs that the blaze had been started intentionally. A discarded lighter was found on scorched ground at the scene, and the local fire station shared a photograph of the item on social media as part of its appeal for information.
A spokesperson for the service said:
We are pleased to report that there were no injuries at this incident.
Unfortunately, we are saddened to report that there are indications that the fire appears to have been started deliberately by person(s) unknown.
Anyone with information about the incident has been asked to contact West Mercia Police.
What makes this reserve significant to residents?
Walkmill Meadows is a six-hectare Local Nature Reserve set along the River Tern in the heart of Market Drayton, reached via a small free car park off Summerhill Gardens and the Dalelands Estate, according to Shropshire's Great Outdoors. The site is valued locally both as a wildlife habitat and as a place for people to unwind, with surfaced paths, benches and picnic tables running along the riverbank, as described by a guide to the River Tern walk. That dual role as a nature haven and community amenity means the damage is likely to be felt by walkers and wildlife alike.
Is this part of a wider pattern?
Deliberately lit wildfires have affected several nature sites across the country in recent months. Investigators in Surrey previously confirmed a wildfire at Brentmoor Common was started deliberately, while police in Greater Manchester arrested a woman on suspicion of arson following a large moorland fire near Dove Stone Reservoir. The Walkmill Meadows incident adds to a run of suspected arson cases at green spaces this summer.
Key Facts
- The fire broke out at Walkmill Meadows Nature Reserve, Market Drayton, at 17:50 BST on Monday.
- Around 20 square metres of grass, undergrowth and bracken were damaged.
- No injuries were reported; fire crews stopped the blaze reaching nearby trees.
- A discarded lighter was found at the scene, supporting suspicions of arson.
- Anyone with information is urged to contact West Mercia Police.
