A CLEAN-UP operation has been launched after a fire destroyed three hectares of a nature reserve.

Around 100 firefighters, including those from Weymouth, Bridport and Maiden Newton, tackled the blaze at Upton Heath nature reserve on Sunday.

Dorset Wildlife Trust, which manages the reserve, said the cause of the fire is unknown, but it is thought to have been started deliberately, or by careless behaviour, resulting in a blaze which spread very quickly in dry conditions.

Upton Heath is one of the largest areas of heathland remaining in Dorset and recognised internationally for the rarity of habitat and the wildlife that lives there.

DWT’s East Dorset living landscapes and living seas manager Nicki Brunt said: “We are so saddened to see this wonderful nature reserve become a victim to fire once again. The three hectares affected were at the corner of the reserve, near the A35, and it’s with thanks to the fire crews who brought it under control quickly that there wasn’t a worse outcome for wildlife and the people living close by. We will be spending the coming days and weeks making sure the fire doesn’t re-light, assessing the damage to wildlife, and starting the recovery process. We know from experience that it will take years, if not decades for the habitat to recover.”