A campaign has been launched after an arson attack destroyed a hut used as a roost by rare bats.

An historic 'gangers' hut on a nature reserve was burned down earlier this month. The structure was around 150 years old and used as a basic shelter for workers responsible for the maintenance of the railway lines, which still run through 112-hectare Powerstock Common to this day.

But the hut's history wasn't the only reason for its importance, as it was a registered roost for bats, including the endangered Lesser Horseshoe.

Now, Dorset Wildlife Trust, which has managed the reserve near Toller Porcorum in West Dorset since the 1970s, has launched a Crowdfunder campaign to raise £4,000 to replace the hut.

An anonymous benefactor has donated £1,000 to kick off the fundraising and is also offering a £1,000 reward for any information which leads to a conviction.

DWT supporter development officer Jodi Hibbard said: “A lot of people locally have been shocked and saddened to hear about the fire on Powerstock Common and now we’re asking for your help for us to replace this lost habitat for bats. We have eight weeks to raise £4,000 to help cover the cost of replacing the hut.”

The money raised through the Crowdfunder will allow DWT to replace the hut and ensure there is continued habitat for bats in a new structure, and also pay for specific conservation work such as surveying equipment to monitor bats in the area and manage their habitat.

The lesser horseshoe bat is one of the smallest in the UK. They use a variety of different roosts throughout the season, from roof spaces in old buildings in summer, to caves and cellars in winter. Many of their habitats have been lost through destruction or conversions of use over time. They are agile in their flight and their main prey species are crane flies.

DWT’s nature reserve warden for West Dorset, Steve Masters said: “Lesser horseshoe bats are rare across their range in the UK which is restricted to the South and West. They are also sensitive to disturbance. The wet, wooded habitat on Powerstock Common is extremely important to them as a foraging area.”

To donate to the DWT Crowdfunder, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/homeforbats before Friday May 22. Rewards for donations include a bat walk with conservation officers and bat I.D guides.

For more information about the Powerstock Common nature reserve, visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves