RSPB labels major blaze by River Tay as "tragedy" for threatened animals
A helicopter was used to douse water onto reed beds which caught fire near Errol Airfield
A wildlife charity's expressing its concern over what yesterday's blaze by the banks of the river tay could mean for threatened animals.
Smoke was seen billowing from reed beds near Errol Airfield throughout the afternoon.
Nine appliances were called, while a helicopter was spotted scooping water from the river to douse the flames.
A spokesman for RSPB Scotland, which manages just under half of the reedbeds for wildlife, said: “This is a tragedy for many rare and threatened species, right at the time when they are nesting and trying to raise their chicks.
“We currently have no idea how the fire started. Conditions have been exceptionally dry like elsewhere and the fire hazard in the countryside is very high right now.
“At 410 hectares, the Tay reedbed is the largest continuous reedbed in the UK and is an internationally important wildlife site for many rare species.
"It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area, Special Area of Conservation and a Ramsar (important wetland).
"It supports the largest breeding population of bearded tits in the UK, a strong population of marsh harriers at the limit of their northern range, and many pairs of water rail.
“Two RSPB Scotland staff are present on site and are supporting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service with access and site knowledge. As there is a threat to local property a helicopter will be deployed.
Nine appliances were called, while a helicopter was spotted scooping water from the river to douse the flames.
Fire crews were called down last night.
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