A heath fire has broken out on Godlingston Heath, Studland tonight.

The heath is understood to be one of only 35 'spotlight' reserves designated by Natural England, and is home to endangered species including the sand lizard and smooth snake.

A fire in 2010 on the land was caused by a bonfire that got out of hand.

Before 2010, the most devastating fire was in May 2008, when 29 fire engines were needed to put out a fire that destroyed 250 acres.

The site makes up part of Purbeck's super nature reserve - which was the first in the UK to be formed.

These organisations include Natural England, RSPB, Forestry England, the Rempstone Estate, Dorset Wildlife Trust and Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, along with other landowners and managers. 

The reserve brings together 11 essential wildlife habitats and is designedf to help a variety of rare wildlife, including the sand lizard, the Dartford warbler, and the silver-studded blue butterfly to thrive and survive.

According to the National Trust, the site is made up of a rich mosaic of lowland wet and dry heath, valley mires, acid grassland and woodland, coastal sand dunes, lakes and saltmarsh. 

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