New research from Bangor University shows that this summer's wildfires in Wales did far more damage than the charred vegetation suggests. At Sychnant Pass, up to 10 cm of topsoil was lost, taking with it an organic layer that took around 4,000 years to build. The fires burned an estimated 2,760 acres in north Wales alone, and scientists warn that losing this soil carbon makes climate change worse while leaving rare habitats far more fragile. Researchers are now sampling burnt and untouched ground before winter rains wash more material away. They plan to track recovery over the next two years and use the data to guide restoration, including possible artificial soil made from organic waste. Early green shoots, mostly bracken, do not mean the ecosystem is recovering. Heather and gorse with shallow roots were completely lost.
