Protected woodland damaged in suspected arson

A section of protected woodland has been badly damaged in a fire that firefighters said was probably started deliberately.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the 33-acre (13-hectare) Barton Hills National Nature Reserve, in Barton-le-Clay, at about 21:00 BST on Friday.

Firefighters tackled a fire involving trees and brush measuring about 30m by 30m (100ft by 100ft) before extinguishing it by about 03:30 and returning to dampen hotspots.

Reserve warden Dean Elcome said he believed the blaze had been caused by a disposable BBQ being thrown into the undergrowth.

Barton Hills, located in the north Chilterns, is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and protected by law.

"The fire destroyed a small part of Barton Hills," said Elcome.

"A swathe of the woodland has either been damaged or destroyed... but it could have been much worse."

He added: "Please, please, please don't think it's OK to visit with the intention of having a fire or BBQ on site – you're not welcome.

"It's illegal, thoughtless, extremely dangerous, and if found you will be prosecuted – I just think people don't care and have a complete lack of respect."

According to the Woodland Trust, the habitat contains an "important population" of leaved lime trees and is home to the scarce Herb-Paris and stoats, weasels and hares.

The fire service said at the fire's height, four fire engines, a water carrier and about 30 firefighters were at the scene.

"It is believed the fire was most likely started deliberately," it said.

Whizz Middleton, of Mrs Middleton's Oil, based nearby, helped direct crews to the location of the fire and said they "worked tirelessly for almost 12 hours".

"The people involved were brilliant, reassuring, dedicated and kind and absolutely determined to battle the impenetrable undergrowth to dampen the fire," she said.

"I think the most infuriating thing about the drama that unfolded last night is that it was entirely predictable."

Bedfordshire Police was contacted for comment.

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