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Lowland heathlands such as those found in the New Forest National Park are important habitats for many species and are frequently dominated by shrub species like heather and gorse. Since the 1930s, the amount of lowland heathland has declined. However, the UK is home to around 11% of the world’s lowland heathlands (GWCT, 2026).
The process of ‘prescribed’ or ‘controlled burning’ involves planned and controlled burning of vegetation to achieve a specific outcome – for example, to maintain open areas, encourage new vegetation growth, or reduce the risk of wildfires. In recent years prescribed burning has become more controversial, with some questions being asked about the impact of fires on carbon emissions, habitat condition, and species like amphibians and reptiles.
This body of work aims to provide an artistic response to two related sites during and after being burnt.
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