Another week, another fire - Dartford Warblers and Nightjars likely to have been lost in New Forest blaze

                               

No smoke without fire - the New Forest blaze (photo: Forestry England) 

There are fears that scarce species such as Nightjars and Dartford Warblers as well as other birds may have perished in the wildfire that ripped through the New Forest yesterday and on Sunday.

Says lead ranger for the New Forest National Park Authority Gillie Molland: "Globally heathland is more rare than rainforest and takes decades to develop - the New Forest has the most has the most extensive area of lowland heath remaining in Europe.

"It is home to many nationally and internationally rare species - including all six of the UK’s reptiles, insects, plants and birds such as Dartford Warbler and Nightjar.

"This particular area is a stronghold for smooth snakes."

She continues: "The New Forest also has important areas of pasture woodland with ancient trees, such as beech and oak, that have international importance for nature conservation. 

"Heathland can eventually be restored, ancient trees are lost forever.

"The loss of rare species and biodiversity is devastating and upsets the delicate ecological balance of the Forest, as well as reducing grazing land available for commoners' animals."

The blaze, which started when a van broke down on the A31 rroad.

Thanks to sterling work by the fire service and other, it is now thought to be under control but is liable to flare up anew without warning.