A WILDLIFE haven in Worcestershire has been decimated by a fire, leading to fears a generation of animals have been “wiped out”.

The Canal & River Trust, which owns the reserve, has been left “devastated” by the damage – and believes the blaze could have been started deliberately.

Firefighters were called to the incident at the Coney Meadow Reed Bed site in Salwarpe, near Droitwich, on Wednesday (April 22) at 3.40pm but could not prevent 75 per cent of the wildlife habitat being destroyed.

Mark Robinson, an ecologist at the Canal & River Trust, said: “We’re all devastated that this has happened.

“Coney Meadow Reed Bed is one of the most important habitats for wildlife in Worcestershire and now most of it has been destroyed.

“We won’t know what the impact will be on wildlife in the area as a whole until next year, but it’s safe to say that a mindless action by someone has wiped out a generation for most of the animals that call the reed beds home.”

It is feared grass snakes, slow worms, field voles and some of Worcestershire’s rarest birds including grasshopper warblers, water rails, reed buntings and cuckoos will suffer significantly from the fire – especially considering it is currently bird-nesting season.

The reed beds previously provided a perfect habitat for such species, but all that is left now is a scene of destruction.

Populations of otters, bats and barn owls, which are supported by the wildlife haven, will also be affected.

The Coney Meadow Reed Bed Site was established in 2008 as part of the restoration of the Droitwich basin canals and is a popular visitor attraction.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews from Droitwich and Redditch attended the fire alongside West Mercia Police.

Anyone with information on the incident should call police on 101 quoting reference number 0402/S/220415.