Manx National Heritage, Manx Wildlife Trust and Manx BirdLife are urging the public to take extra care in the countryside following two recent wildfires.
The charities are asking people to take simple precautions to reduce the risk of fires starting, including avoiding fires and barbecues near dry vegetation, not smoking or discarding cigarette butts, and taking litter home.
Drivers are also reminded not to park on long grass, where hot exhausts can ignite fires.
Vulnerable Landscapes
Richard Seed, Environmental and Engagement Manager at Manx National Heritage, said the island’s landscapes are “incredibly vulnerable” during prolonged dry periods, with wildfires capable of spreading rapidly and devastating habitats.
If a fire is spotted, the public should move to safety immediately and call 999. People are urged not to assume someone else has reported it, and never to attempt to tackle a fire themselves.
Carmel Croukamp of Manx Wildlife Trust warned that upland fires can spread “far faster than many people realise”, with a single discarded cigarette or disposable barbecue capable of starting a serious blaze.
Manx BirdLife Managing Director Allison Leonard highlighted the impact on ground‑nesting birds such as hen harriers and curlews, saying even small fires can destroy nests, feeding areas and chicks during the breeding season.
Heritage sites are also at risk. MNH’s Inspector of Ancient Monuments, Andy Johnson, noted recurring damage from disposable barbecues, including one incident where a fire started on the cliffs at Port Grenaugh after a barbecue tray was emptied over the edge.
All three charities thanked the public for their cooperation in helping protect the island’s natural habitats, wildlife and historic sites.
