'Unintentional arson' caused a huge wildfire at a beloved beauty spot in Macclesfield.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to Danes Moss Nature Reserve on Tuesday afternoon, March 10, following reports of a grass and heather fire spanning around 2,500sqm.

The quick response of the fire brigade, who sent four engines and an all-terrain vehicle to the scene at around 5pm, prevented what Cheshire Wildlife Trust say could have been 'an even more devastating outcome'.

The trust believe the blaze was caused by 'unintentional arson due to carelessness', serving as a reminder of just how vulnerable habitats such as Danes Moss are.

Ben Patterson, reserves and land manager, said: "Danes Moss is the largest lowland raised bog in Cheshire.

"It's one of the scarcest and most threatened habitats in the UK and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

"The reserve is home to a whole host of dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies and common lizards and is loved by local residents.

"We're so grateful to the member of the public who alerted the fire service so quickly, preventing the fire from being a lot worse and doing more damage."  

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The scene at Danes Moss on Wednesday, March 11 (Credit: CWT)

A member of Cheshire Wildlife Trust staff visited the site on Wednesday, March 11, to assess the damage.

It is understood the fire burned through the surface vegetation including grasses, heather and bramble, but fortunately didn't penetrate down into the peat.

A small section of the boardwalk was also affected.

A statement released by the trust adds: "While we're relieved the blaze was contained and the damage minimal, we are deeply concerned about the further damage that could have been done to this rare peatland and the species that depend on it, had the fire not been caught early."