A cross-disciplinary assessment of the 2018 Roaches wildfire (UK) using forest, peatland, and public perception analyses

Wildfires are emerging as a significant socio-ecological disturbance in the UK, yet integrated assessments encompassing both dimensions are still limited.
This study provides a multidisciplinary evaluation of a 2018 human‑induced wildfire at The Roaches Nature Reserve (UK) to reconstruct mid‑term socio‑ecological impacts using 2023 data on forest response, peatland soil degradation, and public perceptions.
In the mixed woodland, remote sensing metrics (NDVI, dNBR), annual growth patterns derived from dendrochronology, and soil organic carbon (SOC) measurements revealed contrasting species‑specific responses. Pinus sylvestris L. showed moderate resilience and partial recovery, whereas Larix decidua Mill. experienced near‑total mortality within three years. Carbon‑sequestration estimates, obtained by integrating ring‑width‑based productivity reconstructions with specific allometric models, indicated reductions of ~70% in P. sylvestris and almost 100% in L. decidua, alongside an estimated total carbon loss of ~208 Mg ha⁻¹ (including SOC) in the burned area compared to the control in 2023.
Parallel investigations in the adjacent peatland showed that fire-induced degradation remained evident even five years after the event. Burnt soil exhibited higher pH, a 60–70% reduction in water and organic carbon content, and up to 85% decline in microbial C and N relative to unburnt control.
Complementing the ecological findings, an online questionnaire revealed mixed public perceptions of wildfire impacts and ecosystem recovery. Respondents generally recognised wildfire severity and ignition sources but perceived ecological components, such as soil, biodiversity and landscape aesthetics, as recovering more slowly than social or recreational aspects. A strong sense of shared responsibility and the need for improved communication emerged among respondents aware of The Roaches fire.
Overall, these approaches highlight how a single wildfire can cause lasting ecological degradation and shape public understanding, underscoring the need for a multi-level vision aligned with Integrated Fire Management (IFM) principles to support wildfire management in emerging fire‑prone regions.