Protected New Forest heathland damaged by gravel thieves
- Published
Ground nesting birds such as nightjars (left) and Dartford warblers live on Rockford Common
Habitats of rare birds, butterflies and snakes have been destroyed by gravel thieves on protected New Forest heathland, the National Trust has said.
About 15 tonnes (15,000 kg) of gravel was taken from Rockford Common, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The area is home to species including smooth snakes, silver-studded blue butterflies and birds such as Dartford warblers and nightjars.
Police are investigating.
Thieves stole about 15 tonnes (15,000 kg) of gravel from the protected land
'Irreparable damage'
National Trust community ranger Jacob White said the area "contains some of the most internationally protected habitats and wildlife in Europe".
"This greedy and selfish act has caused irreparable damage to wildlife habitats on the common, as well as extensive erosion of this rare heathland landscape," he added.
Hampshire Constabulary and the trust, which manages the site, is appealing for any information about the theft which happened between 12:00 GMT on 15 March 09:20 on 16 March.
The heathland is also home to smooth snakes and silver studded blue butterflies