The Dundee Ranger Service has warned a spate of fire-raising in local nature spots is devastating local wildlife.
The council-run body, which raises awareness and understanding of local nature, said three fires in Trottick Ponds in the last month have killed frogs and other animals living in the reed beds.
A variety of birds call the north Dundee reserve and surrounding areas their home, including a resident pair of swans, a heron, dippers and many others.
Colin Donald, a countryside ranger for the service for the past six years, has called on the “idiots” to stop and think about the animals that have suffered because of their actions.
He said up to a third of the reed beds have been destroyed by the recent fires.
“It’s very irresponsible and it has definitely had an effect on the wildlife,” he said.
“From frogs and birds to food sources such as snails, the knock on effect is significant.
“It’s a possibility that chicks could have died as well. A reed bunting was giving alarm calls following the most recent fire because her nest would have been in the reed bed.
“It’s awful to think about. There is a lady swan nearby who would have been scared by the fire too.”
The Trottick Mill Ponds were built more than 200 years ago to provide water for the Claverhouse Bleach Works, a finishing mill for linen production.
The reed bed now contains frogs, toads and newts, while roe deer can also be seen in the field north of the reserve.
It has won a number of national awards commending the high standard of the greenspace.
A number of houses surround Trottick Ponds and Mr Donald raised fears something more serious could happen if the fires continue.
He said: “Anecdotally I’ve heard this year has been particularly bad for fires across the city.
“The message we want to get across is just don’t do it. It not only endangers wildlife but also the people who have to fight the fire.
“Think about the effect it could have. If anyone has any information about the fires we would urge them to contact the police.”
