Experts say Canford Heath could take 15 years to restore

Councillors and conservationists have expressed their sadness at the devastation caused to wildlife during the Canford Heath fire on Saturday night.

The fire ripped through the heath, causing damage to an area approximately the size of 23 international football pitches.

Residents were evacuated as the blaze raged for six hours.

Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment and place at BCP Council said: “Everyone at BCP Council is truly devastated over the fire that destroyed 16.7 hectares of Canford Heath on Saturday.

“The timing of the incident is incredibly upsetting due to our nesting birds, and other species that were using the heathland to welcome new life into the world.

“Volunteers and BCP rangers are continuing to look for emerging reptiles as well as record the deceased."

Canford Heath fire. Photo from Wareham Fire Station

A total of 23 dead animals have been logged by the council so far, including sand lizards and smooth snakes, two of the rarest reptiles in the UK, which wardens have spent years cultivating in Poole.

Councillor Anderson said: "The fire exposed a lot of litter which our staff and volunteers from the local community are helping to clear.

“We’d like to thank our partners, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service, Dorset Police, the eight BCP colleagues that attended and of course any volunteers that helped sweep the area following the fire.

“A huge thanks to all our partner organisations that are offering continued support and the members of the public that offered refreshments for those dealing with the incident on the night. On behalf of the council and our residents, we are incredibly grateful.

Read more:

• Canford Heath fire tore across land the size of 23 football pitches
• WATCH: CCTV captures how close huge heath fire came to homes
• Huge Canford Heath fire believed to be started by 'human act'

'Utterly tragic'

“This incident is utterly tragic and most likely could have been totally avoided. Although the start of the fire remains unknown, it is a stark reminder of how important it is to be cautious."

A spokesperson from Dorset Wildlife Trust said: “Dorset Wildlife Trust is devastated to hear of the major fire on Canford Heath. These fires are a disaster for wildlife, especially in spring with birds and reptiles breeding.”

Ward councillor Sean Gabriel said: “The main concern everyone's got is obviously for the safety of the households that back straight onto the heath, but also all the poor wildlife that have lost their lives and been damaged and the heath itself.”

Damage at Canford Heath

Ward councillor Sandra Moore: “The most important thing, now that we know that everybody's safe, is to look after the wildlife and, I've got lots of questions coming in from residents concerned about things like fire breaks and tree management and whether or not they can actually volunteer to help with healthland regeneration.

“I'll be raising all of these questions with the council to see what we can do to help.

“People are worried about whether they can still walk up there. The answer is yes, but not at the moment because it's not very pleasant, but it won't take that long to start regenerating.

“Obviously it will be some time before it's as beautiful as it was a few weeks ago.

“It's just sad that all this wildlife was lost in the meantime.”