Fire Damages Protected Reed Bed at Pegwell Bay
A fire has destroyed part of the reed bed at Pegwell Bay, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located in Ramsgate, Kent, according to an environmental group.
The fire began on Sunday evening, causing significant damage to the area.
Nik Mitchell, a representative from the local group Get Wild, described the impact as
"devastating",particularly because it occurred during the nesting season.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) has stated that the cause of the fire remains unknown.
In a video shared on social media, Mitchell reported that the fire left a 300-metre (984-foot) scar across the land.
"Probably about 300 acres of burnt reed bed there,"he said.
"There would have been loads of nesting birds in there and lots of nest building, it's devastating."
The reed beds serve as nesting grounds for species such as warblers and reed buntings, which typically nest in early spring.
Mitchell praised Kent Fire and Rescue Service for their efforts, stating they had done
"an incredible job"in extinguishing the fire and limiting the damage. However, he expressed concern that the damaged area might be used as a footpath by people, which could hinder the reed bed's natural regeneration.
Response from Kent Fire and Rescue Service
In an official statement, KFRS said:
"Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of marshland alight in Sandwich Road, Ramsgate.
Three fire engines attended, and crews used main jets and hose reel jets to extinguish the flames.
No injuries were reported, the cause is unknown."
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