A JOINT initiative has been launched in a bid to combat arson attacks on the conurbation's protected heaths.

The Urban Heath Partnership (UHP), made up of 14 organisations, launched 'Operation Heathlands' on Monday.

Now in its 18th year, the seasonal programme - which works to raise awareness of fire, vandalism and anti-social behaviour on urban heathland - runs until the end of September.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) arson reduction coordinator Gaynor Mant said: "Arson is the biggest threat to the heathland and both deliberate and accidental fires can destroy whole colonies of wildlife.

"We are advising visitors to the heath to be especially mindful of discarded cigarettes and to not use disposable barbecues when visiting."

The initiative includes a series of educational programmes in schools, the community and out on the heaths.

Just last week firefighters battled to bring a heath fire under control at Ferndown Common.

This fire, believed to have been started deliberately, destroyed an area of protected heathland 400 metres square.

One of the larger wildfires in recent years, the fire that destroyed heathland equivalent to 100 football pitches at St Catherine's Hill in 2015, was also started deliberately.

At the height of the St Catherine's Hill around 80 firefighters tackled a fast moving fire front that included 35ft tall flames.

Operation Heathlands will also focus on issues such as damaging fencing and gates, dog fouling and unauthorised uses of vehicles - such as motocross bikes - on the heaths.

UHP manager Paul Atwell said: "Fires on heathlands can have devastating effects on the wildlife and vegetation as they can take up to 25 years to recover. In the right conditions, these fires are capable of travelling as fast as an Olympic sprinter.

"The UHP continues to work together in order to help protect and enhance our local heathland.

"Protecting and managing these sites are a shared responsibility with landowners, managers, Natural England and site users and we're working closely together to reduce the number of fires and anti-social behaviour on these sites."

Dorset heaths are home to all six UK native reptiles - smooth snake, grass snake, adder, sand lizard, common lizard and slow worm.

Dorset Police Sergeant Adrian Thompson, said: "We conduct high visibility patrols across the heaths, as well as run events in conjunction with the Urban Heath Partnership to prevent damage being caused to the local environment that can put lives in danger."