Studland Heath Goes Up in Smoke

A fire has apparently devastated about 2.5 hectares of Studland Heath (http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2008/05/23/studland_heath_fire_feature.shtml) that is one of the locations we use in Dorset. The fire (thought to be cigarette-related) could not have occurred at a worse time in a location that is home to all 6 species of British reptiles including the vanishingly rare Smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) and the endangered Sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) that would all have been active on the surface. It is estimated that about 500 reptiles will have died in the fire. Many rare birds will also have been feeding their broods here at this time. Flowers and insects will also have been destroyed. The National Trust reckon that it will take decades for the heath to recover.