Bright orange fungus appears in wake of Cairngorms wildfire

Following the destructive wildfires which tore through the Cairngorms, the first signs of recovery have been spotted in the form of bright orange fungus.

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) said the fire-loving fungus was nature’s sign that things were on the road to recovery at Glenmore in the Highlands.

Thousands of acres of land were left scorched, and the area is still being monitored for hotspots a month after the fire started.

However, FLS said the fungi are usually the “first colonisers” of burned ground and played a role in breaking down carbon, preventing soil erosion and the leaching of nutrients.

The bright orange colour stands out against the blackened earth. Forestry Land Scotland

Dave Clarke, FLS’ senior programme manager, who first spotted the fungi, said: “In the aftermath of any fire people always have concerns about wildlife and habitat recovery, often looking to spot the first green shoots.

“But before that stage, these charcoal-loving fungi get to work and prepare the way by gradually creating the sorts of conditions and nutrients that will accommodate plants and grasses. And some grasses are already beginning to reappear.

On July 15, a wildfire broke out and soon spread, engulfing miles of countryside in flames, prompting a massive emergency response.

Residents in nearby towns such as Nethy Bridge were forced to flee as the fire edged ever closer to their homes.

At its height, more than 500 firefighters were on scene battling the flames, which were described as “apocalyptic”.

The area, which includes popular tourist destinations including Glenmore, Loch Morlich and other businesses, was closed for weeks due to the escalating situation.

Earlier this month, the Scottish Government announced businesses affected by the wildfire could apply for grants from a £3 million resilience fund.