An organisation representing thousands of farmers and rural landowners in Wales has warned that this summer's wildfires are having a devastating impact on farming communities, with some facing years of recovery.

CLA Cymru said prolonged hot weather, record dry conditions and drought in parts of Wales had created the conditions for a series of major wildfires, destroying grazing land, damaging habitats and putting livestock at risk.

The warning comes after several large fires across Wales, including blazes in the Rhinogydd mountains in Gwynedd and at Blaenavon in Torfaen.

Closer to home, a major wildfire on Hanter Hill near Presteigne last month saw residents fear for their homes as flames spread across the hillside.

Fire crews from Presteigne, Knighton, Hay-on-Wye and Llandrindod Wells were first called to the blaze at Hanter Lane before being joined by firefighters from Builth Wells, Rhayader, Talgarth, Crickhowell and Llanidloes.

Crews remained at the scene for several days, tackling hotspots and working to prevent the fire from spreading further.

CLA Cymru, which represents around 3,000 members managing more than one million acres of land across Wales, said farmers were now dealing with the consequences of scorched grazing land, the loss of winter feed and growing pressure on already limited water supplies.

The organisation warned the effects extended beyond individual farms, with the loss of productive land affecting local businesses, tourism and rural communities.

‘Toll on farming families is immense’

Victoria Bond, director of CLA Cymru, said the recent fires highlighted the increasing challenges posed by extreme weather.

"These wildfires are a stark reminder of the growing challenges posed by extreme weather in our countryside," she said.

"Our members, who manage much of Wales' rural land, are working tirelessly and shoulder to shoulder alongside emergency services to protect lives, property and the natural environment.

"However, the financial and emotional toll on farming families is immense."

She called on the Welsh Government and other agencies to provide targeted support to help affected farmers recover, including resourced for habitat restoration, compensation where appropriate and measures to reduce the risk of future fires.

‘Urgent action’

Ms Bond also urged ministers to review how land is managed across Wales, including vegetation management and grazing practices, to help better prevent and mitigate the risk of future incidents.

She said many farming families now faced years of recovery on land they had cared for over generations.

"The human and economic cost cannot be overstated," she said.

“Many of our members are facing years of recovery on land they have stewarded for generations.

"We pay tribute to the bravery of our firefighters and emergency services working in incredibly challenging conditions.

"CLA Cymru calls for urgent action from policymakers to support affected communities now and to invest in practical measures that will help rural Wales.

"Our members are part of the solution, and their voices must be central to building a more resilient future for the Welsh countryside."

CLA Cymru said it wanted to work with the Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales and fire services to reduce the risk of future wildfires.