FOOTAGE has revealed the extent of the huge fire which engulfed Studland heathland on Tuesday evening.

Video captured by Matthew Dunster showed the fire, in Godlingston Heath, being blown by strong winds.

Fire crews from across Dorset rushed to tackle the blaze after Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service were called shortly before 8.30pm.

Crews from Swanage (two), Westbourne, Poole, Christchurch, Hamworthy and Wimborne along with Land Rover pumps from Swanage, Poole, Hamworthy and Bere Regis, the Unimog from Wareham and a water carrier also from Poole are currently in attendance.

Approximately 600 square metres of heathland was “well alight”, a fire spokesperson said. For context, a football pitch is approximately 7,000 square metres.

The blaze could be seen as far as Southbourne, especially as the wind blew the flames.

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.