Cornwall nature reserve 'devastated' by 120-acre gorse fire

A wildlife trust is counting the "devastating" cost to wildlife of a fire which ripped through 120 acres of a nature reserve.

Many animals were killed in the blaze at Caer Bran near St Just in Cornwall, Cornwall Wildlife Trust said.

Callum Deveney, head of nature reserves, said the fire, which follows another at a reserve in February, had hit many animals in breeding season.

"This one is worse because it's when wildlife is coming alive," he said.

"At this time of year a fire like this is devastating."

The wildlife trust said the fire, at Bartinney Downs, destroyed more than 120 acres of heathland.

Emergency services received reports of smoke spotted in the area at 06:22 BST on Monday.

Fire investigators are working to establish the cause of the fire.

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