10/04/2025
We were deeply saddened at the news that Staffordshire Fire and Rescue have determined that the fire at Gentleshaw Common appears to have been started deliberately.
Our staff and our dedicated team of Gentleshaw Common volunteers work ever so hard to keep this place special for wildlife and people.
The fire has sadly impacted wildlife which wouldn't have been able to get out of the way of the flames. Species including common lizards, ground nesting birds such as skylark and meadow pipit, and the heathland plants which make Gentleshaw such a special place. With care, we hope that in time the vegetation will regrow and replenish.
We are very grateful for the firefighters efforts to limit the spread of the fire to 3 hectares on such a windy evening.
As a charity, we’d be extremely grateful for any donations to help us care for Gentleshaw Common. These funds would also enable us to purchase tools for our volunteer work party as well as equipment such as water-carrying back packs, portable water tanks, hoses and pumps, which are useful to help put out portable BBQs and camp fires.
Simply visit https://orlo.uk/NMQLJ and select Gentleshaw Common when you make your donation. Thank you. 🙏
You can also help us out by calling 999 at the first signs of smoke in the countryside, and by not having BBQs or naked flames at any time.
📷 by Heathlands Officer Charlie Forrest-King
