THE visitor centre at Hengistbury Head is urging people not to have barbecues or start fires due to the risk to wildlife. Staff at the centre said "conscientious visitors" had been sending in pictures of people having barbecues on the reserve, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

They said a fire started in the dunes yesterday morning had been "the most alarming example" so far.

"We really appreciate the levels of care that the vast majority of our one million visitors a year pay to Hengistbury Head.

"Please do not bring barbecues or start fires at the Head – it risks the survival of threatened wildlife and it is against the bye-laws, and, given the reserve's designation as a SSSI, it would be considered a serious offence.

"Our resources do not provide for round-the-clock patrolling, but we will be carrying out occasional evening patrols as the summer gets going."

The centre is asking visitors who spot a barbecue to call the council's out of hours number: 01202392322. If a fire has been started consider calling the fire service, "as the potential damage caused by this getting out of hand would destroy a rare habitat and the species that depend on it", staff said.