Population of 'very rare' butterfly habitat on Arthur's Seat likely 'severely negatively impacted' by wildfire
The wildfire near Arthur’s Seat was sparked Sunday, July 19 and spread quickly to the western side of the cliff
There are fears that the recent wildfire on Salisbury Crags near Arthur’s Seat may have had “a severe impact” on a “very rare” species of local wildlife after the cliffside was left charred and burned.
Smoke billowed into the skies above Edinburgh on Sunday evening (July 19) after a fire ignited on the crags at around 6.30pm.
Fire crews from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service worked throughout the night to contain the fire and remained in place until Tuesday afternoon (July 21).
While the cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, a large area of land stretching from the Holyrood Palace side of the cliff right around the western point has been left scorched and charred.
A local wildlife expert has warned that the destruction of the cliffside may have a huge consequence for the “very rare” Northern Brown Argus butterfly, a colony of which resides on the crags.
Matt McCabe, an Edinburgh-based ranger at Historic Environment Scotland which manages Holyrood Park, said: “The most recent wildfire is likely to have had a severe impact on a population of the very rare Northern Brown Argus butterfly.
“The caterpillars of this species rely entirely on common rock-rose and there is a colony on the south side of the burnt area.
“Unfortunately, all the rock-rose in the area is scorched beyond redemption and, if this colony has not been entirely lost, it will have been severely negatively impacted. It’s impossible to assess the scale of the impact until next year.”
Mr McCabe added that rangers and volunteers in Holyrood Park normally work through the winter to cut back gorse where they can around “sensitive habitats and species” to “minimise the impact of wildfires and to provide firebreaks to protect the species”.
However, he added: “In the case of the Northern Brown Argus, we have been unable to access the Radical Road due to the risk of rock fall to cut back enough gorse to fully protect the habitat.”
The Northern Brown Argus butterfly is described as “a nationally scarce species” by wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation. The charity also described it as “one of Scotland’s most threatened butterflies”.
Holyrood Park is home to other animals such as sparrowhawks, ravens, skylarks, stoats, weasels, and foxes, as well as rare plants and greenery such as the wildflower Stocky Catchfly and a rare moss which is not believed to occur anywhere else in the British Isles.
While wildfires may be concerning and can impact rare species such as the Northern Brown Argus butterfly, Mr McCabe explained that they are “a natural part of every ecosystem”.
He said: “Generally, wildfires are a natural part of every ecosystem, even in a country as infamously wet as Scotland, and habitats evolve to deal with this.
“Gorse in particular seems to cope admirably and we are already seeing the literal green shoots of recovery after last year’s wildfire with gorse shoots growing from the unburnt roots.”
Mr McCabe did, however, warn against the dangers of wildfires, saying: “As park users it is important to access the park, as well as the wider countryside, responsibly. Be aware of the latest wildfire risk forecast (available from social media pages from organisations such as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Countryside Rangers Association).
“Do not light barbecues or fires inside the park and ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished before being disposed of. Put litter in bins as even discarded glass can start fires. If you see a wildfire, dial 999 immediately.
“Holyrood Park is an irreplaceable Scheduled Monument, and we need visitors' help to protect it for future generations. Lighting unsanctioned fires increases the risk of wildfire and can cause irreversible damage to the site's delicate ecosystems and historic landscape.”
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