Firefighters battled for three hours to control the blaze near Upper Wilting Farm, off Crowhurst Road.

The area forms part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and it is feared that birdlife using the reeds for nesting have lost their natural habitat.

The cause of the fire, which was reported at 12.45pm, is being investigated.

Kevin Haywood, watch commander at Hastings Fire Station, said: "It could have been arson or caused by discarded broken glass which has caught light in the sunshine. The reeds were dry and the fire spread quickly.

"This is a loss of habitat for birds and has an effect on their environment."

He warned: "It is important that people are careful, take their rubbish home and don't leave glass around because it may start a fire."
Crowhurst farmer Stephen Blackford was among those who saw firefighters tackling the blaze.

"We could see smoke coming from the area and three fire engines were there," he said. "At least three acres have been destroyed."