Green shoots springing up in park hit by fire

Nature is beginning to return to a country park two months after a devastating wildfire, bosses have said.

The fire ripped through more than 50 acres of Mincinglake Valley Park on the edge of Exeter on 11 August, prompting the call-out of 20 fire crews.

Devon Wildlife Trust, which manages the site on behalf of Exeter City Council, said green bramble bushes, wildflowers and various small birds and mammals were re-establishing in the charred landscape.

Randy Mayers, from the trust, said the park had seen a "second spurt of growth, almost like a second spring".

The trust said grassland, shrub and hedgerow homes of animals including songbirds, butterflies, moths, harvest mice and field voles had all been affected by the fire.

At the time of the blaze experts said nature could be resilient and it was hoped then the area could thrive once again.

However, Mayers said the trust was surprised regrowth could be seen so quickly.

Wildflowers growing in scorched areas was a "sign of recovery and a healthy meadow", he added.

"We've seen lots of flowers out, lots of birds, and we've seen rabbits and few harvest mice so they haven't all been decimated, which is great news," he said.

Duncan Wood, from Exeter City Council, said the authority would allow the trust to lead the park's recovery as "they are the experts".

He said the council was "firmly behind behind them, and will provide whatever support they need".

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