Arson Prevention

Surrey Wildlife Trusts’ (SWT) Arson Prevention Project was completed in 2010 after two successful years focusing mainly on the Worplesdon Group of Commons, near Guildford. The Worplesdon Commons are subjected to arson every year, which threatens rare and important heathland and grassland habitats and the wildlife they support. To ensure the Commons and visitors are safeguarded, SWT ran an Arson Prevention Project, which aimed to reduce the frequency and severity of arson attacks. This was achieved through an education programme in Guildford’s schools, communication with members of the local community and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and through practical tasks across the Commons involving youth groups and local volunteers.

Over the course of the two year project, which ran for two days a week from Sept ’08 – Sept ’10, a whole range of activities, events and information days were organised, including:

• 10 school visits (6 Primary and 4 Secondary schools) with over 2700 students taking part in an interactive assembly based around Surrey’s exciting wildlife and the dangers of countryside fires and arson, followed by a visit by SFRS crew and engine.
• 21 practical sessions across the Worplesdon Commons, improving access for the emergency services and improving firebreaks across Whitmoor Common.
  
• 13 youth group activities, including visits to the Commons, visits to youth clubs by SFRS and countryside activities at holiday playschemes.
  
• 6 guided walks for local community and youth groups across the Commons.
  
• 8 community events, including interactive stalls at the County Show, SWT’s Springwatch event and organised Wildfire Awareness days.
  
• 3 presentations to local community groups including Worplesdon Parish Council and Woodstreet Village Association.
  
• 8 trained Voluntary Fire Wardens patrolling the Commons on regular walks.
  

Although official figures for the number of countryside arson attacks across the Worplesdon Commons have yet to be released for 2009/10, it is hoped that the number of local people directly involved with the project will have helped raise the profile of the Commons, showcasing their rare habitats and the importance of their conservation. It is also believed that the project has encouraged residents to believe they can make a difference in combating misuse of the sites.

Whilst the project itself has come to an end, a great deal of information has been learned and will be adopted by SWT.  SWT and SFRS also now have a much improved chain of communication, helping to improve response time to emergencies. The Voluntary Fire Wardens are a crucial asset to the Trust in the fight against countryside arson and this scheme will continue to grow and expand across all of SWT’s large and high risk countryside sites. Please contact Anna Fosbery, Volunteer Development Officer for SWT on 01483 795440 if you are interested in helping to protect your local greenspaces.