One of Dorset's largest heaths was almost completely destroyed by fire yesterday. According to the internet and TV reports, it seems like one of the biggest heath fires ever. Estimates in the afternoon said it was 100 hectares and spreading fast, with 20 appliances and 200 firefighters.

As we enter the month of June - the beginning of summer in climatic terms - we can look back on a spring that has been the warmest and driest for many years. Reptiles in the UK have undoubtedly benefited from this warm weather, which has set them a few steps ahead in the annual cycles, in terms of breeding, lifestage, and phenology.

The email server problems that were causing bounce-backs have now been solved. If you have tried to contact us in the last few days, and received a bounce-back message, please try again. Many thanks for your patience.

Please accept our apologies, but server problems are preventing emails from reaching CGO Ecology at present. We are working on getting this fixed as soon as possible. Please try telephoning 07846 137346 instead if you want to speak to me (Chris Gleed-Owen) personally.

Numbers of Britain’s rarest lizard, the sand lizard, are increasing in parts of southern England - possibly due to climate change.