A NUMBER of wildlife species have been “hit hard” after a blaze at a nature reserve in Ferndown at the weekend.

The heath fire bordering Ferndown Upper School’s playing fields on Sunday afternoon was most likely started deliberately, according to the fire service.

Firefighters used six hose reel jets, two main lines and beaters to tackle the fire, which consumed 400 square metres of heathland at Ferndown Common.

The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC), which manages the site, was assessing the damage yesterday.

The common, which lies between Wimborne Road and Ringwood Road, is an internationally important example of European lowland heath. It covers 76-acres, the majority of which are special areas of conservation, and is home to some of the rarest wildlife in the country.

Field officer Rick Sharp said the species most affected by the fire was the slow worm.

“The fire seems to have hit certain populations hard. The slow worm population has taken a large hit, and the smooth snake.

“One of our on-call wardens was there on Sunday helping the fire service and looking for any animals that could be rescued.

“We’re finding live animals as well and have rescued at least one male sand lizard and one male adder, and lots of common lizards. However, some are looking a bit injured.

“Over the next few days, we’ll be here looking for more animals, which we can move into neighbouring habitat. It wasn’t a huge burn, thankfully – hats off to the fire crews.”

Rick added it was “really sad and frustrating” to see the heathland damaged.

“It will recover eventually, but we could have done without this setback,” he said.

The Dorset Wildlife Trust is urging people to remember how precious Dorset’s unique heathland is.

They are also encouraging residents to engage with the Urban Heath Partnership to educate themselves further about the dangers of bonfires or barbecues anywhere near vulnerable heathland.