A NATURE reserve devastated by a blaze will be allowed to grow back on its own without interference, a community volunteer has said.

Peartree Green caught fire earlier this year killing plants and wildlife. Smoke plumes could be seen across the city as the fire raged.

The nature reserve, between Bitterne and Woolston, is owned by Southampton City Council. 

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service previously said 300m by 300m of open land was destroyed.

New plans have been made for the site to regrow by letting surviving plants develop without interference.

Jill Doubleday, 58, is the Vice Chairperson for the Friends of Peartree Green Nature Reserve.

She told the Daily Echo: "Peartree Green nature reserve is run by the council so we work with them closely.

"We have previously done work to help better Peartree green and working with the council they have chosen to allow it to grow back naturally.

"Southampton City Council has previously kept the site with a rich diversity of wildflowers which is coming back and is very green already. 

"They also sowed wildflower seeds into the boundary mounds of Veracity Recreation Ground.

"As chairperson for the group, we will work to have the best version of the nature reserve for people, insects, and wildlife." 

Around 54 people called 999 when the fire broke out about 4.47pm on August 12.

Firefighters from St Mary's, Lyndhurst, Hightown, Eastleigh, Romsey, Gosport, Hardley, Beaulieu and Southsea raced to the scene.

One Twitter user said: "The flames were as big as trees and it was moving quickly.

"Kudos to Hampshire fire. These people deal with stuff like that day in day out. Incredible bravery."

Another said: "It looked horriffic and very close to properties."

Woolston resident John Wells told the Echo: "Never in my life have I seen anything like this before."

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