Video shows devastation caused by heath wildfire

The extent of the damage to an area of heathland hit by a wildfire has been captured by a drone.

Video from Upton Heath in Poole shows the destruction of more than 126 acres (51 hectares) destroyed in the blaze which started shortly before midnight on Wednesday.

The reserve is recognised internationally for the rarity of its wildlife, including the smooth snake and sand lizard.

A team from the Dorset Heaths Partnership has been busy saving as many reptiles and other creatures from the heath as it can.

The team, which protects and manages Dorset's heathlands, said the fire happened at a "crucial time" for the birds that use the habitat to lay their eggs, as well as reptiles which have just come out of hibernation to breed.

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