PRECIOUS wildlife habitats between Newquay and Wadebridge are under threat after spate of gorse fires devastated the land.

Land at Tregonetha Downs, near St Columb, and Rosenannon Downs near St Breock, have been the subject of three separate arson attacks this week, with vast areas of gorse land torched.

Police and fire crews were called on February 28, as well as March 1, 2 and 3.

Both nature reserves are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest and home to rare creatures – from the hen harrier to the marsh fritillary butterfly.

The attacks come nearly 12 months after a similar spate of fires on the nature reserves, which destroyed the scrub land.

PC Alan Lenton, from St Columb police, said his officers would be stepping up patrols in a bid to catch those responsible.

"When it is a dry day and the wind blows in an easterly direction it is an ideal opportunity for individuals to start these fires," he said.

"We have had some concern about these fires and I have spoken to my colleagues in Newquay and also asked them that whenever they get any free time to drive up there in the evenings to see if they can see anything or anyone around.

"I appreciate that many people use the land to go out walking their dogs or whatever but there are certain individuals up there who are causing the damage and starting these fires.

"We shall be increasing our patrols and do spot checks on the individuals who we see to find out what they are doing there."

Police said that with no witnesses and a lack of forensic evidence it is difficult to catch those responsible.

"I would urge anyone who knows anything to please get in touch with us," urged PC Lenton.

More than 25 acres of land at Tregonetha Downs was destroyed in March last year after a ferocious blaze ripped through the land.

Fire crews from St Columb Major, St Dennis, Wadebridge and Bodmin were called to the scene, using hoses and beating equipment to extinguish the flames.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust has also spoken of its concern for the future of the site and its inhabitants.

Sean O'Hea, Cornwall Wildlife Trust's reserves officer for Mid Cornwall said: "These fires are started by people who clearly don't understand the damage they are doing.

"Controlled burns are an important way of managing heathlands, but they must be done at the right time of year, and areas to be burned should be planned and small in proportion to the overall size of the site.

"The fires that have burned Tregonetha and Rosenannon Downs are nothing of the sort, a huge proportion of the overall land area has been burned at a time when birds are beginning to nest.

"We're working to provide the best habitats for wildlife on limited resources, so it's awful when some thoughtless person ruins it all."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 08452 777444.