A31 wildfire rescue operation launched to save wildlife

Volunteers from Forestry England and Amphibian Reptile Conservation (ARC) have worked together to recover animals, with immediate priorities including Common Lizards, Adders and Slow worms, which were carefully relocated to nearby forest.

A spokesperson for ARC said: “For reptiles, the loss of vegetation and changes to the structure of the heathland mean that the impacts of the fire will extend well beyond the immediate event.

“As the landscape recovers, maintaining and restoring the habitats that species such as sand lizards, slow worms and adders depend on will be a key part of supporting wildlife.”

Michael Pittock, head of planning and environment at Forestry England, said: “It is devastating to walk around the area of the wildfire and see so much destruction especially on heathland which is such a rare and important habitat.

“A large area is damaged, but we are also very aware that without the remarkable response from the fire and emergency services it could have been so much worse.

“We are extremely grateful to them and all of the local partners and members of the community who have supported the New Forest during this difficult time.

“It will take decades for nature to fully recover but there are things we can do to help.”