A PURBECK nature reserve that has appeared on BBC’s Springwatch has seen increasing incidents of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

In recent weeks a deer management high seat was torn down and thrown into the water, and axe damage was reported on several trees near the edge of the Arne Nature Reserve near Wareham.

Dorset Police also discovered litter and the remains of a small fire which presents a huge risk for heath fires.

Around 1.5 hectares of heathland at the Arne nature reserve were destroyed in a fire back in March.

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A force spokesperson said: “Most of us will know how beautiful and important the RSPB Reserve at Arne is.”

They added: “Dorset Police welcome any reports of anti-social behaviour and in particular ‘illegal’ and reckless fires in such a delicate and combustible area. Any sightings of unregulated fires should also be reported to the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.”

Arne is a haven for wildlife and is known as one of the best bird watching spots in Dorset.

It’s also one of the few remaining places where all six of the UK’s native reptiles can be found.

Anyone with concerns about incidents of this kind is asked to call 101.