IT could take another 30 years for Purbeck heathland ravaged by fire to recover.

A year ago today, 2.5 hectares – six acres – of land at Godlingston Heath, Studland, was destroyed in a blaze thought to have been started by a carelessly discarded cigarette.

Now, National Trust wardens say it could still be three decades before rare wildlife can return.

The 750-hectare heath, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a National Nature Reserve and a Special Area of Conservation, is one of the few places in Britain where all six native reptiles are found, as well as rare species of birds and invertebrates.

It is feared as many as 500 reptiles, including the endangered sand lizard and smooth snake, were killed either in the fire or eaten by predators as they tried to escape. The bird population was also severely affected.

How we reported the story last year Bournemouth Echo: How the Echo reported the story last year

Angela Peters, Purbeck ecologist for the National Trust, said: “The fire was particularly devastating because the heathland was very mature and a perfect habitat for both birds and reptiles.

“We anticipate it could take 30 years of re-growth before the heath begins to return to anything like its former status.”

She said the process would take so long because the fire happened in the growing and breeding season.

Angela added: “It will be many years before we see any reptiles or birds returning to the site because of the lack of cover and variety of habitat necessary for snakes, lizards and birds to survive and repopulate.”

David Hodd, countryside manager at the National Trust’s Purbeck Estate, said there was still plenty of heathland to enjoy, but added that everybody needed to take extra care when discarding cigarettes and using barbecues, as well as always taking litter home.

The warning comes after a spate of large fires across the Bournemouth and Poole area, particularly at Talbot Heath.