RSPB Scotland 'absolutely overwhelmed' by public support after devastating Highland wildfire swept through Corrimony nature reserve
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'ABSOLUTELY overwhelming' public support for a devastated nature reserve scorched by a massive wildfire has been hailed by a leading charity as it attempts to pick up the pieces.
More than half of the RSPB's Corrimony nature reserve was destroyed in the wildfire, which started near Cannich and swept across the area's moorland and forest in a blaze that was so huge its smoke could be seen from space.
The wildlife charity launched an emergency appeal last week to raise the large sums of money that will be needed in the years-long work to restore what was lost – with estimates of the total needed running into hundreds of thousands of pounds.
It quickly gained public attention, with the likes of BBC's Springwatch co-presenter Megan McCubbin among those to share links to the appeal on social media and urging for people to donate.
The RSPB said the support shown had been a "real boost" amid the devastating loss as it continues to try to raise funds.
Dan Tomes, area manager for South Highland at RSPB Scotland, said: “The support shown by so many people to this awful event has been absolutely overwhelming and a real boost in amongst all the loss.
"Corrimony is a special place for the local community as well as somewhere that brings in visitors from far and wide to enjoy Scotland’s amazing landscape and wildlife.
"At the moment we’re continuing to work with our neighbours and other landowners along with SFRS to monitor hotspots and where required calling on the services of a helicopter to waterbomb specific outbreaks, and donations to the emergency appeal will help to meet these costs.
“While we are still assessing the full scale of the damage to Corrimony it is clear that it is extensive and will cost hundreds of thousands of pounds and take many years to restore.
"The support of the Inverness Courier has been invaluable in getting the word out, and we would like to thank everyone in the local community for their kind support so far.”
