ELEVEN acres of protected heathland at Chudleigh Knighton has been destroyed by arsonists.

More than three devastating fires have been started in the past two weeks and Devon Wildlife Trust officers are appealing for sharp-eyed members of the public to prevent the heathland turning into a 'gorse graveyard'.

The heathland, leased by WBB to the Devon Wildlife Trust, is designated as a site of special scientific interest.

Gary Nixon, conservation officer said: 'It is the sort of habitat that at this time of year, all the animals and birds begin to wake up – these gorse fires can take nests out and it is a real issue for all the species that live in the gorse.

'Lowland heath is a rare and fragmented habitat and so it should be protected at all costs.'

Three fire crews from Bovey Tracey and Newton Abbot attended the last fire early on Wednesday last week.

Three acres of gorse was destroyed by two fires a quarter of a mile apart.

The previous week, acres of gorseland was destroyed at Dunley Cross.

Five fire appliances were needed to extinguish the blaze.

Mr Nixon has put up notices at well used entrances to the heath: 'There is a history of arson on the site and the notices are for people who regularly walk their dogs on the heath to be more alert.

One fire has been started along a fenced area where three Exmoor ponies graze.

'The last thing I want is for them to bolt onto the A38,' said Mr Nixon.

'There are a lot of people from Bovey Tracey and Chudleigh Knighton who walk their dogs regularly on the heath, I just want people to keep their eyes open and report it to us if they see anything unusual.'