Nesting birds will have lost their habitat and reptiles will struggle to survive following a huge heathland fire in Dorset, rangers have said. They pledged all surviving wildlife in need of a new habitat will be moved after Sunday's blaze destroyed about 75 hectares of Canford Heath.
Recovery "will take a number of years," ranger team leader Nick Woods said.
Plants would take up to a decade to recover but some, including heather, would regenerate more quickly, he said.
The exact damage is still being monitored and assessed.
Mr Woods said: "Some nesting birds, including the Dartford Warbler, stonechats and nightjars will sadly have lost their habitats, although the impact would be worse in the coming weeks when nesting will begin.
"Reptiles, including the sand lizard and the smooth snake, will have had some protection as many will have been sheltering underground.
'Undesirable plants'
"However they may struggle to survive in the burnt area due to the damage to their habitat."
Efforts will be made to ensure "undesirable plants" do not invade the burnt area and that any exposed areas do not suffer excessive erosion.
Mr Woods added: "Poole is fortunate to have a long growing season and although full recovery will take a number of years a covering of vegetation should be soon be re-established."
Police are continuing their inquiries into what caused the blaze, which led to about 100 people having to leave their homes on Sunday night.
A 37-year-old man was arrested but has since been released on bail.
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