Nature reserve 'devastated' in deliberate fire
Tees Wildlife TrustA large fire has caused "devastating" damage to areas of grassland and breeding birds, a nature charity has said.
Cleveland Fire Brigade was called to what it believes was a deliberate fire at Coatham Marsh Nature Reserve, near the Redcar trunk road on Thursday evening at about 18:00 BST.
The blaze was put out by two fire engine crews at 22:00 after causing significant damage to a reedbed habitat and affecting train services in the area.
Tom Harman, CEO for the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, said the impact on animals would "be extensive, with ground-nesting birds and their young unable to escape the flames".
It is not an isolated case and the trust said there had already been more fires on their nature reserves so far this year than the entirety of last year.
Tees Valley Wildlife TrustMP Anna Turley is speaking with landowners and conservation groups to stop similar blazes in future.
She said: "It's absolutely heartbreaking to see the damage caused at Coatham Marsh.
"This is such an important spot for our local wildlife - especially at this time of year with so many birds nesting."
The trust is urging anyone who has information about the fire to contact the police.
Mr Harman said: "Deliberate fires on nature reserves need be treated as the wildlife crimes they are.
"We welcome any support from local leaders and encourage them to step forward and help tackle these issues together."