New Forest shows signs of recovery months after August fire

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 08:43 · Archive

More than 247 acres of the New Forest were destroyed in a fire on 9 August, but new growth is already visible.

Photographer Rob Dove has captured images of new plant life emerging in the New Forest just months after a fire destroyed more than 247 acres of the national park on 9 August. The 63-year-old, who regularly visits the area to photograph its woodland and wildlife, photographed a vibrant green fern growing against blackened earth near Bratley View car park.

Dove travelled to the area at sunrise hoping to capture the landscape in the mist. He positioned his tripod close to the ground to isolate the fern against the dark background, using the fog to create a minimalist image. He said the contrast between the fresh green growth and the scorched surroundings made the photograph striking. He had to slightly reduce the saturation during editing because the colours looked almost unreal, but stressed that the image had not been created using artificial intelligence or by moving anything around.

Dove has returned to the area several times since the fire to document the damage and recovery. He described being 'staggered about how nature just suddenly rebounded so quickly', though he noted that signs of the damage remain visible across the affected area. Forestry England found areas devoid of vegetation, dead wildlife and scorched bogs in an initial inspection and said it would take decades for the environment to fully recover.

How it is being reported

• ‘Signs of life’- Striking image shows New Forest recovering after devastating fireA photographer has captured a striking image of new life growing in the New Forest just months after a devastating fire.Dorset Echo · 11 Oct, 08:27
• ‘Signs of life’- Striking image shows New Forest recovering after devastating fireA photographer has captured a striking image of new life growing in the New Forest just months after a devastating fire.Bournemouth Echo · 11 Oct, 00:00

In this story: Rob Dove · New Forest · Forestry England · Bratley View

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