This year's heavy rain may have caused problems for many - but it's given wildlife at the National Trust's Dunwich Heath reserve a massive boost.

The heather on the heath was devastated by the drought of 2022 - 60% of it was killed off by the  lack of rain and high temperatures.

The drought of 2022 devastated the heather at Dunwich Heath.The drought of 2022 devastated the heather at Dunwich Heath. (Image: Justin Minns/National Trust)

But this year another 11% of the heath has recovered - and National Trust staff are hopeful that a few years with "normal" rainfall levels should allow the rest of the heath to recover.

The heather is vital for a variety of wildlife, including Dartford Warblers, nightjars and Britain's only venomous snake, the adder.

Dartford Warblers are resident at Dunwich Heath and need heather to attract insects that they eat.Dartford Warblers are resident at Dunwich Heath and need heather to attract insects that they eat. (Image: Martin Bennett/National Trust)

Sam Cooper, National Trust Area Ranger at Dunwich Heath, said: “Results from the recent drone survey have confirmed that just over half of the heathland is now made up of live heather. This time last summer, it was down to 40%, so it’s really encouraging. 

“The wet start to the year has certainly helped, and we’ll be continuing to monitor how the weather impacts not just the heather itself, but the birds and other wildlife that depend on it.” 

Adders live in the heather on Dunwich Heath.Adders live in the heather on Dunwich Heath. (Image: National Trust)

Every year, during the autumn and winter months, small areas of heather are cut to encourage new growth and this creates a mosaic of heather of different ages helping to produce a more diverse habitat for a range of wildlife. 

Last year, Sam and his conservation team, which is partly made up of volunteers, started the first of several trials to help establish the quickest method to restore the heather.  

He said: “It’s still too early to see the full effect, but we’ve already observed some differences between our trials and we’ll use this to inform how we further manage the habitat.” 

Richard Gilbert at Dunwich Heath.

Richard Gilbert, Property Operations Manager at Dunwich Heath, added: “It’s great to see so much heather back in flower and looking the best it has in years.

“This time of year is always a favourite among our visitors, in part because Dunwich is the only place in the East of England where the heathland extends to the sea, so you get fantastic views and contrasts between the sky, sea and heath."