New Forest organisations lead recovery effort following heathland fire

Local organisations involved in the response to the Picket Post heathland fire are working together on the longer-term recovery of the New Forest impacted areas, businesses and communities.

The fire, which started on 9 August 2026, affected more than 100 hectares of internationally important heathland and led to the closure of the A31 with significant disruption for residents, businesses and visitors.

With the fire now extinguished and the A31 reopened, the focus has moved to looking at what actions can be taken to support the affected communities, businesses, and landscape and ensure future resilience to prolonged droughts and wildfires.

Cllr Jill Cleary, Leader of New Forest District Council (NFDC), said:

‘I want to thank everyone who worked so hard throughout this incident, from the firefighters and emergency services who brought the fire under control, to our partners, volunteers, businesses and residents who have supported the response and looked after one another.

‘The reopening of the A31 last weekend (Saturday 22 August 2026) and the end of the emergency response are important steps forward, but we know the impact of the fire will be felt for some time.

‘Our priority now is to work together to support our communities and local businesses, assess the damage to our environment and infrastructure, and learn from what has happened so that we can strengthen the New Forest’s resilience to future wildfires.’

The environmental impact of the fire is still being assessed. Forestry England’s specialist teams have mapped the affected area, which includes large areas of heathland, mature trees and habitats supporting a wide range of wildlife. The team will draw on their experience of restoring heathlands affected by previous fires to inform recovery plans for the site.

Michael Pittock, Head of Planning and Environment at Forestry England, said:

‘We are extremely grateful to the fire service, local partners and members of the community who all supported the New Forest during this wildfire and worked together to protect this special place.

‘The damage to the affected area is considerable and it will take decades for this heathland to recover. However, there are things we can do to help nature recover and wildlife to return.

‘We are confident that with the right support that over the coming years we will be able to fully restore the area affected by the fire and continue to help the forest to be resilient in the face of the changing climate.”

The existing Public Space Protection Order continues to prohibit fires, barbecues and outdoor cooking equipment in the New Forest. Partners will also continue to work on wildfire prevention and preparedness, including capturing lessons from this incident.

Victoria Mander, Chair of New Forest National Park Authority said:

‘The New Forest National Park is a world capital for wildlife with many rare habitats and species and we thank all those involved in working to contain the wildfire in extremely challenging conditions. Thanks to their bravery and skill the fire was restricted to 1.6km2 of the 566km2 National Park.

‘All roads, trails and car parks are open and the Forest is ready to welcome visitors for the bank holiday weekend.

‘Our focus is now very much on working with partners to ensure habitats, communities and businesses are supported to recover and are prepared for any future incidents.’

Partners are encouraging everyone who lives in, works in or visits the New Forest to help reduce the risk of further wildfires, particularly during periods of hot, dry weather when even a small spark can quickly escalate.

Recent statutory guidance from Government on the sale and distribution of disposable barbecues is a welcome step in reducing fire risk, but partners are reminding people that disposable barbecues are only one potential ignition source. Campfires, bonfires, discarded cigarettes, glass bottles and vehicles parked on dry grass can all start fires, causing serious damage to wildlife, habitats and the countryside, placing lives at risk and adding pressure to emergency services.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager Larry Mackrell said:

‘We support the government’s temporary ban on the sale and distribution of disposable barbecues.

‘Any heat source, not just disposable barbecues, has the potential to start a fire, which in the current conditions can grow and spread rapidly, causing huge levels of devastation to our countryside.

‘When heading outdoors to enjoy the bank holiday weekend, we ask that you do your bit to help us prevent wildfires by packing a picnic instead.’

Work will also consider the impact on local communities and businesses, including those affected by the A31 closure and disruption to tourism and passing trade.

Partners will use evidence from businesses and communities to understand the scale of the impact and identify where partners can provide support.

New Forest District Council is continuing to work with town and parish councils, alongside community and voluntary sector partners, to strengthen community preparedness and resilience. Following discussions with key stakeholders, wider engagement will take place to identify impacts, opportunities for learning and actions that will help build long-term resilience across the district.