THE green shoots of recovery can be seen at the Droitwich nature reserve devastated by fire last month.

Photographer Dave Grubb, from Claines, Worcester, captured this stunning image of a fox peering through the burnt reeds and green shoots beginning to appear at Coney Reed Bed Meadow.

The massive blaze on the banks of Droitwich barge canal on Wednesday, April 22 destroyed most of the wildlife haven.

At its peak, flames reached 30 foot high and swept through 75 per cent of the Coney Meadow Reed Bed, which is home to a variety of birds, reptiles and mammals.

Flames spread quickly through the area after weeks of dry weather.

Following the fire, Mark Robinson, ecologist at the Canal and River Trust, said they were devastated and called the area "one of the most important habitats for wildlife in Worcestershire."

Speaking this week, he said: "The reed bed is still looking pretty bad, although there are green shoots starting to appear. Given five months there will be little evidence that the fire occurred. The big loss is the wildlife that will have perished in the fire, including the loss of nests and probably eggs, and the loss of such a large area of nesting habitat for the whole season.
"Regarding the fox, it is not really surprising as they are opportunists and are often seen around the reed bed at this time of year, looking for a quick meal; they are probably taking accessible eggs and nestlings; but it is a great picture."

It is thought the fire was started deliberately.

Police confirmed they have not yet arrested anyone and are still investigating.

Anyone with information should call the non-emergency police number 101 quoting reference number 0402-S-220415.