Ironworks Meadow fire: Volunteers vow to rebuild after ‘devastating act of vandalism’

Left: John Buchanan and Patrick Ellum pictured at the reserve in 2023. Right: One of the walkways destroyed in the inferno. (Credit: Ben Shahrabi and ECFRS)

DEVASTATED volunteers have vowed to rebuild a Maldon nature reserve, after a “thoughtless” fire obliterated wildlife habitats and caused tens of thousands of pounds in damage.

Firefighters from Maldon and across Essex battled the flames at the Ironworks Meadow Nature Reserve on Monday afternoon, where approximately 10,000 square metres of greenspace was engulfed in flames.

The blaze is alleged to have been started deliberately, with volunteers branding it “a devastating act of vandalism”.

Patrick Ellum, one of the nature reserve’s directors, told Caroline Coastal: “The thoughtless and selfish people who intentionally started these fires, over the last two weeks of dry weather, contrast with the many generous people and organisations who have supported the project.

“Their actions have obliterated the habitats of numerous birds, animals and insects and destroyed a bridge and walkways constructed at the cost of many tens of thousands of pounds.”

Inferno - plumes of smoke were seen billowing into the sky as fire crews tackled the blaze. (Credit: Ben Campbell)

Ironworks Meadow opened in July 2023, following the formation of the Chelmer Blackwater Reserve Community Interest Company. Since then, the group has worked to create a habitat for wildlife at the greenspace near Maldon’s Tesco store.

The board of the community company met last night (15 July) to start plans to reinstate the reserve.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help restore the boardwalks and walkways which have been destroyed. To donate, visit: gofundme.com/f/chelmer-blackwater-reserve-restore

Meanwhile, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has said it believes the fire was started deliberately.

Scorched earth - a fire service drone shot captures the scale of the devastation. (Credit: ECFRS)

Monday’s blaze was the third time crews had been sent to the site within one week.

Residents living nearby were urged to keep their windows and doors closed, due to the smoke. Meanwhile, the A414 Maldon bypass was closed due to safety concerns.

Charred - one of the walkways was severely damaged, while others were destroyed. (Credit: Jake Burton)

The fire service is urging residents to get in touch if they suspect someone is starting fires deliberately.

A spokesperson added: “Many wildfires are started deliberately or are due to careless, reckless, or irresponsible behaviour.

“If you see or suspect someone of acting suspiciously, recklessly, or irresponsibly in the countryside, contact the Police on 101. Pass information anonymously by visiting the FireStoppers website or call 0800 169 5558.”

Visit essex-fire.gov.uk/firestoppers for more information.