At around 8pm on 20th March, Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Rosenannon Downs nature reserve, one of mid-Cornwall’s most important areas of heathland, was the target of an arson attack. 

Around one quarter of the 275 acre site has been scorched to the ground, with adders, common lizards, field mice and ground nesting birds, including skylarks and meadow pipits, all likely victims of the fire. 

The site was also home to Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s herd of seven Shetland ponies, whose grazing helps create, restore and maintain its heathland habitats. While the ponies were thankfully physically unharmed, they were indicating signs of distress, having had to flee the flames. 

Andy Collins, Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Mid-Cornwall Reserve Manager, arrived on-site the night of the fire to inspect as much of the damage as possible and ensure the welfare of the Shetland ponies. 

“This arson attack is nothing but the mindless destruction of nature. Those responsible have shown no regard for the wildlife for whom the site is home, the local environment, or the wellbeing of our ponies, whose lives were placed at risk. 

"Some animals, like our ponies, will have been able to escape, while others will have sadly died in the fire. It is incomprehensible to me why anyone would wish to cause such harm.” 

Cornwall Wildlife Trust continues to inspect the damage and form plans on how best to restore the site’s habitats for wildlife. 

If anyone has any information to help identify those responsible for the attack, please contact Devon & Cornwall police on 101. 

To help Cornwall Wildlife Trust protect and restore habitats at Rosenannon Downs and across Cornwall, please donate to our Nature Reserves Fund