Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:49pm on 13 Aug 2025,Wednesday Weather & Environment
A wildfire in the UK’s south Dorset’s Newton Heath has been extinguished after burning for 10 days, destroying over 54 acres (22ha) of protected heath and forest habitat. Reported on 3 August, the blaze was among several suspected arson incidents in the Studland area. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue (DWFR) confirmed crews from three counties battled the flames, fuelled by dry conditions and strong winds. The site, home to all six native reptile species, suffered severe wildlife loss. The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust found very few reptiles survived. DWFR has handed over control to Forestry England for recovery efforts. (PC: BBC)
