A WILDLIFE trust has described the devastating impact an arson attack has had on its nature reserve at St Columb after surveying the damage.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust states around one quarter of its 275 acre Rosenannon Downs heathland was “scorched to the ground” during the incident on Thursday, March 20.

The charity believes adders, common lizards, field mice and ground nesting birds, including skylarks and meadow pipits were likely victims of the fire.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s herd of seven Shetland ponies, whose grazing helps create, restore and maintain its heathland habitats were “highly stressed” having had to flee the flames.

The charity has also confirmed a controlled burn was not the cause of the blaze.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Wildlife Trust said: “The attack has had the devastating impact on nature.

“Moving the ponies to a safe place took two days and six of our team as they were highly stressed following the fire.

“Many commenters have suggested that the fire was a land management practise called swaling, a controlled burn technique used to manage vegetation.

“While we do use this method at times and have done at Rosenannon Downs with the support of local people and members of the fire brigade we can categorically confirm that we would never carry out a controlled burn here at a time when wildlife is just awakening.

“Our entire team is hugely grateful for the public support following this fire.

“From members of the public offering to volunteer on-site, to companies donating materials and supplies, we are heartened by the community coming together, though we remain deeply saddened that any of this was necessary. “To everyone who has donated to our nature reserves fund, sent messages of support, contacted us with offers of help, or left kind comments on our posts, thank you, from all the team at Cornwall Wildlife Trust.”