WILDLIFE experts were today counting the cost of a blaze that devastated a swathe of heathland in Dorset.

An area of 200 acres, roughly equivalent to more than 130 football pitches, has been destroyed in the inferno that threatened nearby homes and injured four firefighters.

Thousands of protected species – including a number of the rarest reptiles and birds in Britain – have been killed.

Police have launched an arson probe into Thursday’s inferno, amid reports of two youths running from the scene.

One of the most distressing sights confronting wildlife experts was the charred remains of a helpless baby fawn.

Its confused mother was spotted frantically searching for her offspring amid the decimated landscape.

Dorset Wildlife Trust, who have managed the rare habitat for 13 years, say thousands of reptiles, birds, insects and plant life have been simply wiped out.

Trust chief executive Simon Cripps said: “This is a disaster that will set wildlife back by 20 years or more on this important site.”

Upton Heath is a 500-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to all six British species of reptile.

Nicky Hoar, from the trust, said: “It is absolute devastation.”