Warning fires could kill forest's rare butterflies

Ashdown Forest is warning silver-studded blue butterflies' habitat is "extremely vulnerable" to fire

Ashdown Forest conservators have warned a protected butterfly species colony could be "completely wiped out" if wildfires hit the site's heathland.

The organisation that cares for the East Sussex forest said a recent survey had recorded "the highest single day count in more than five years" of silver-studded blue butterflies.

But ahead of forecasted warm weather, Ashdown Forest's head of countryside Ash Walmsley said the species' habitat was "extremely vulnerable" to fire.

"We want to do everything we can to protect them and to do that we need everyone's help," he said.

Mr Walmsley added Ashdown Forest was "one of only a handful of places that has sustainable colonies" of silver-studded blues.

According to The Wildlife Trusts, the "rare" species is "restricted to close-knit colonies in southern England and Wales".

Wildfires destroyed swathes of Ashdown Forest - famed as the location for the Winnie the Pooh books by AA Milne - in 2019.

The conservators' warning followed fire crews in Dorset declaring a major incident on Saturday and evacuating 20 homes because of two large heath fires.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue launched a public information campaign in July, warning people to "take precautions" to prevent wildfires.

The service's advice included disposing of cigarettes and litter properly, only using designated barbecue areas, and safely storing flammable material at home.

Tim Bamford, south east regional director of the Country Land and Business Association, said outdoor spaces were currently a "tinderbox".

He asked the public to "use common sense" and be particularly aware of wildfire risks.

"Wildfires can be incredibly damaging and it's the speed that they happen that is so scary," he added.