National Trust urges people not to take barbecues to countryside beauty spots
Public warned to not light fires in the countryside as emergency services are called to deal with a spate of incidents.
Wednesday 17 June 2020 13:16, UK
People have been urged not to take barbecues to the countryside as the dry conditions continue to cause a high risk of fires - threatening the UK's wildlife and beauty spots.
The National Trust said it has seen a rise in people using disposable barbecues and making fires on its sites across the UK as lockdown restrictions have eased following the coronavirus outbreak.
In one single night, fire crews had to put out 30 unattended barbecues at Studland Beach in Dorset, which is home to reptiles and large areas of heathland.
Six fire engines and a police helicopter were also called to one of the trust's sites at Froward Point in Devon on 24 May because of a blaze started by a barbecue.
And four days later, more heathland - which is home to lizards and tiger beetles - was damaged in a large fire at Thurstaston Common at the Wirral.
The trust's warning comes as Britons - for whom foreign holidays remain off the cards for now - flock back to the countryside and coasts in large numbers as the good weather continues.
Last month was England's driest May on record and the UK's sunniest calendar month, according to the Met Office.
The trust said the late May bank holiday saw a number of UK beauty spots - including Formby Beach in Merseyside, Birling Gap in East Sussex, and the North York Moors - record their busiest ever day for visitor numbers.
Ben McCarthy, head of nature conservation at the National Trust, said: "We know that people have missed the outdoors and open spaces these past few months - and we're really pleased to be welcoming them back.
"But we're urging people not to bring barbecues to the countryside or the coast. They can lead to real problems, particularly after such little rain in April and May."
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He continued: "Many areas of land are still very dry and all it takes is a single spark from a barbecue or a dropped cigarette to cause a serious fire.
"Please think of others; think of the wildlife; think of our emergency services; and don't bring barbecues to the beach or countryside."
Mr McCarthy also urged people to take litter home with them as it can also lead to fires and also harm wildlife.
He said: "We absolutely want people to experience the beautiful natural places we look after and enjoy a picnic in the outdoors - but it's not OK to drop rubbish and expect someone else to pick it up for you."