Fierce fire destroys Upton Heath wildlife

13/06/2011 17:00:32 Dorset Heath devastated - huge fire destroys wildlife reserve
June 2011. On what will be remembered as a black day for wildlife, an estimated one third of one of the most important wildlife sites in England was devastated by fire. Dorset Wildlife Trust's

Upton Heath nature reserve, recognised internationally for the extreme rarity of habitat and wildlife,
was engulfed by the biggest heath fire in decades just at the peak of the bird and reptile breeding season.

Wildlife in danger - Dartford warblers, nightjars, reptiles and invertebrates
Simon Cripps, Chief Executive of Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: "This is a disaster that will set wildlife back by 20 years or more on this important site. Since we took on management of the site 13 years ago, our wardens and volunteers have worked tirelessly to improve the habitat. It is doubly heartbreaking that Dartford warbler numbers had already been halved by the cold winter and there is now little chance of recovery for them for many years."

Other birds affected are the rare nightjars, which have only recently arrived from Africa to breed on the heath. Thousands of reptiles, including all six British species of reptile, have been killed along with countless invertebrates, representing the destruction of the entire ecosystem.

Thousands of animals killed
Steve Davis, Volunteering Manager at Dorset Wildlife Trust, was an eyewitness. He said: "I was amazed by the height of the flames and the intensity and speed of the fire. I saw it jump several times of around 200 metres in a matter of seconds. The intensity of the heat will no doubt have a massive impact on the seed bank in the ground and this in turn will have a hugely negative effect on the ability of the site to recover.

Dorset Wildlife Trust is also concerned for the implications for the local community, who value the heath for its wildlife and enjoy using it for recreation. Steve added: "We extend our sympathies to the householders whose homes were threatened and to the many residents whose enjoyment of the heath will be adversely affected. We must also thank the Emergency Services and Urban Heaths Partnership who are still working on the site.
Arson suspected
"Detective Inspector Jim Beashel of Dorset Police said: "We are trying to identify two men which may have vital information that could help us with our investigation. They were described as young white men. One of the men was wearing a grey T-Shirt and blue jeans and the other one a long blue sweatshirt and dark blue trousers. They were walking toward the A35 footbridge leading to Heights Road in Upton. I would urge the two men or anyone who saw them yesterday afternoon at the location to contact Dorset Police as soon as possible.

"This was a major incident that had a considerable impact on the community. I believe that those responsible are likely to have told friends or family about their involvement and would urge anyone with information to contact us urgently."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01305 or 01202 22 22 22 quoting incident number 09:297. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.