Cairngorms fire leaves decades-long scars as recovery battle begins The flames may soon be brought under control, but experts warn the Cairngorms wildfire has entered its most difficult phase. Nearly two weeks after the blaze erupted, firefighters are still tackling stubborn hotspots across the Scottish Highlands, while scientists fear the environmental damage could take decades to repair. The fire forced hundreds of people from their homes, scorched huge swathes of moorland and forest, and has been described by authorities as one of the worst wildfires the region has ever faced. The Fire May End—The Damage Will Not Although emergency crews have slowed the blaze, underground fires continue to smoulder beneath peat-rich ground, raising fears they could burn for weeks or even months. Beyond the charred landscape lies a deeper problem. Parts of the ancient Caledonian pine forest—one of Britain's rarest ecosystems—have been damaged, threatening centuries-old Scots pine trees and the wildlife that depends on them. Ancient Forest Faces a Slow Return While grasses and shrubs can recover within a few growing seasons, forests operate on a vastly different timescale. Native Scots pines grow slowly, and the complex habitats they support can take decades to rebuild. The greatest toll is expected to fall on smaller species unable to escape the advancing flames. Insects, reptiles and ground-nesting birds are thought to have suffered heavy losses, while larger mammals such as deer were more likely to flee. Peatlands Turn From Carbon Store to Climate Threat Scientists are particularly concerned about the damage to peatlands, which act as one of the world's most effective natural carbon stores. When peat burns, it releases carbon dioxide that has been locked away for thousands of years. Damaged peat also becomes more vulnerable to erosion and future wildfires, creating a cycle that is increasingly difficult to break. A Warning of What Britain's Future Could Hold The Cairngorms blaze follows an exceptionally warm, dry summer and comes as researchers warn that climate change is making large, fast-moving wildfires more likely across the UK. Rain is expected to ease conditions in parts of Scotland in the coming days, but conservationists say the real challenge is only beginning. Extinguishing the flames is one task; restoring one of Britain's most treasured landscapes could take generations. Why it could take decades to repair the devastating damage from the Cairngorms fire
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