Part of Barton Hills Nature Reserve destroyed in suspected arson

A section of protected woodland has been badly damaged in a fire that firefighters said was probably started deliberately. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the 33-acre (13-hectare) Barton Hills National Nature Reserve, in Barton-le-Clay, at about 21:00 BST on Friday. Firefighters tackled a fire involving trees and brush measuring about 30m by 30m (100ft by 100ft) before extinguishing it by about 03:30 and returning to dampen hotspots. Reserve warden Dean Elcome said he believed the blaze had been caused by a disposable BBQ being thrown into the undergrowth. Barton Hills, located in the north Chilterns, is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and protected by law. "The fire destroyed a small part of Barton Hills," said Elcome. "A swathe of the woodland has either been damaged or destroyed... but it could have been much worse." He added: "Please, please, please don't think it's OK to visit with the intention of having a fire or BBQ on site – you're not welcome. "It's illegal, thoughtless, extremely dangerous, and if found you will be prosecuted – I just think people don't care and have a complete lack of respect." According to the Woodland Trust, the