Environmentalists have reacted with dismay at the continuing arson attacks on the Island's precious woodland.

On Tuesday night firemen rushed to curb a blaze which destroyed 2,000 square feet of woodland at Lover's Lake in Ferry Reach which they believe could have been started deliberately after logs were found at the remote spot.

Fireman said it was the latest in a series of possibly deliberately started brush fires in the east end this summer. Police and firemen are still investigating.

National Trust director Amanda Outerbridge said: "It's sad to see such wanton destruction of a natural resource. This is an area which is open to the public, an area of beauty for everyone to enjoy.

"In addition to destroying woodland, this sort of uncontrolled burning is, in Bermuda's built-up environment, potentially very dangerous. It definitely would seem to be a cause for concern."

Environmentalist Graeme Outerbridge agreed and called for park rangers to be given more powers.

Senior Superintendent of Parks Martin Brown said his Department was unaware of the spate of burnings but was concerned fires could easily spread in the bone dry conditions.

Ironically he believes the fire wiped out a section of casuarinas which he said have become quite invasive after being introduced when there was a shortage of cedars although he stressed he was against arson.

Environmentalist Dr. David Wingate said it was an opportunity to replace the trees with native species which often didn't get the chance to grow without human help.

Mr. Brow said there was little park rangers could do to stop the arson - even if they are given greater powers as being discussed under a possible revision of the Summary Offences Act.

He said: "We can't be in all the parks all the time."

He said parks staff were having to deal with other problems including a mentally ill man who regularly broke into toilets at Church Bay and smeared himself and the toilets with faeces.