It comes after firefighters from across Suffolk were called to tackle a major fire which broke out in heathland and light woodland at Dunwich, close to Dunwich Heath, owned by the National Trust, and the world renowned RSPB Minsmere nature reserve. The blaze was tearing through heathland near the historic Coastguard Cottages at Dunwich Heath and spreading towards St James’ Church, off Westleton Road, with smoke visible from as far as Leiston, Beccles and also Lowestoft, where some people were reporting they could smell the fire. Dunwich Heath, which has been managed by the National Trust for more than 50 years, is extremely important for rare birds, providing breeding grounds for the Dartford Warbler, Woodlark, stone curlew and Nightjar. The world-renown RSPB Minsmere nature reserve next door was last night thought to be ploughing a fire break around Mount Pleasant farm, north west of Dunwich Heath. The National Trust and the RSPB were both aware of the situation last night and said they were assisting with the firefighting operation.