WITH the long school holidays fast approaching and the possibility of more hot dry weather, I feel a concerted effort must be made to prevent another tragedy such as the fire at Upton Heath.

Only a small minority of young people think it fun to set light to dry bushes and grasses, watching the fire take hold, then run way.

They need to be told of the many small creatures that cannot get away as the flames spread – precious nesting birds, lizards, snakes and even smaller beetles and other things that die a horrendous death.

If they could only see the small charred bodies and the anguish of the mother deer searching the smouldering ruins for her fawn (Echo June 11) they may feel some compassion.

A blackened landscape, the risk to firemen and nearly property, should also prompt them to think before they act.

A visit to schools by a RSPB inspectors, showing some of the charred remains of thoughtless behaviour might be considered.

SHIRLEY ANDERSON, Pinehurst Park, Ferndown