9:10am Thursday 18th March 2010
By Jim Durkin
A HUGE 50-acre swathe of protected Dorset heathland, which was devastated in a fierce inferno, could take up to three decades to fully recover.
The National Trust land at Godlingston Heath, Studland – which is a designated area of special scientific interest and home to several endangered species – was destroyed in the space of a few hours.
At its height, on Tuesday afternoon, flames leapt 20 ft into the air and the smoke was visible from across Poole Harbour.
The cause of the Fire is unknown, but investigators are not treating it as arson.
National Trust ranger Stuart Macpherson, who was working at nearby Ballard Down when the fire started, said: “I spotted smoke around 3.30pm. I knew there were no controlled burns taking place so I quickly called Dorset Fire and Rescue Service.
“I feared the worst when I saw that smoke – even as I was on the phone to the fire brigade, I could see the flames spreading. It was that quick.”
The terrain and strong winds meant it was a tough job for firefighters, but around 70 of them surrounded the blaze and had it under control by 6.45pm.
Video below of the fire at Godlingston Heath
Land Rovers proved vital in getting to the fire, which at one point had formed a half kilometre fire front.
Firefighters on the ground were also aided by the Dorset Police helicopter.
The heath is home to endangered species such as sand lizards and smooth snakes.
Mr Macpherson said: “A lot of National Trust staff have worked hard to protect this heathland, so it’s a real blow.
“We were up here checking nesting sites the day before the fire – it’s likely some of the animals did not make it.
“It’s a really slow process for the land to recover, that’s why a fire like this has such an impact.”
National Trust countryside manger David Hodd added: “Fortunately the cattle and Exmoor ponies who graze this land were unhurt.
“But this will have devastating implications for the wildlife, particularly the rare Dartford Warbler which lives in areas of gorse.”
Teams of rangers will work to assess the full impact on wildlife in the coming days.
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