Adder and slow worms killed in Southampton Netley Common fire

Wildlife enthusiast Paul Baker found a juvenile adder and four slow worms dead at Netley Common on Wednesday.

The surveyor for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Amphibian and Reptile Group (HIWARG) visited the nature reserve after it was set on fire on Monday evening.

The dead slow worm. Photo: Paul Baker

Firefighters believe the blaze, which engulfed a ten metre by 30 metre area, was started deliberately.

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“These people just don’t realise the damage they do just to watch a few flames leap into the air,” Mr Baker said.

“They don’t understand the consequences of their actions.

“Some of the reptiles may have survived by heading underground, but of course, when they came back up, they would’ve had next to no cover from predators – birds and such like.

“It’s a shame this heathland is in an urban area because this is always going to happen.”

Crews from Hightown and Fareham used beaters and a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.

Most of the vegetation had been burnt to ground level, and what remained had been torched.

Mr Baker added: “This area once stretched as far as the New Forest but is now in the middle of an urban estate.

“It’s always likely to happen, but people must learn the consequences of their actions.”

If you see a fire, act quickly and call 999 to report it.

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If you have information about someone deliberately starting fires call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: “It’s believed the fire may have been started deliberately.

“Fires in the open which have been set deliberately can quickly get out of control, putting lives in danger and risk destroying large areas of countryside.”

The Echo has contacted Hampshire Constabulary asking if an investigation will take place.