07 Aug 2003 - 01 Jan 2003
BBQs could burn down Richmond Park
Richmond Park

The Park Manager of Richmond Park has warned that disposable barbecues and discarded cigarettes could cause a major fire in the Park's dry grass and woodland.

Simon Richards, Park Manager, said, "It's been an exceptionally hot summer so far and it looks like the sun will keep on shining. This means that the grass is tinder dry and visitors to the Park shouldn't do anything that could start a blaze. We lost a five-hundred-year old oak in March of this year, which was burnt to the ground because thoughtless picnickers dumped their still smouldering disposable barbecue in the hollow of the tree. We're worried that another major blaze could get out of hand."

Nigel Reeve, The Royal Parks' Community Ecologist, added, "The damage that could be done by a major fire is almost unimaginable. Richmond Park is London's largest Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve; its fantastic variety of habitats and species would be decimated. Many of the animals, flowers and landscapes that people love to see could just go up in smoke, so we've all got to be careful."

Fires come in a variety of forms but all have the potential to cause a major incident. For ecological reasons deadwood is left on the ground, for beetles and other insects, but some people build fires out of it. Disposable barbecues placed directly on the ground burn the grass and discarded ash and charcoal can start a fire. The same is true for a casually discarded cigarette.

Kelvin Clarke, Community Officer for Richmond Park, said, "You don't need a barbecue to enjoy a picnic out in the Park. Starting a fire in a Royal Park is illegal. In the current climate the RPC are keeping an eye out for this sort of thing and we will bring people in if we catch them endangering the park and their fellow visitors."

The oak tree that burnt down in March stood on Spankers Hill near White Lodge. A passer-by noticed the tree burning on Sunday 30th March and called the Parks Police and the Fire Brigade. They were unable to save the tree but found the remains foil containers of two disposable barbecues in the ashes. Someone clearly enjoyed their barbecue and then dumped their smouldering rubbish in the hollow of the tree.

Ancient trees are not only visually stunning but are vital for protected animals such as bats and stag beetles. There are more ancient trees in Richmond Park than in Germany and France combined but any such loss is a blow to the Park's ecology and history.

Source:
The Royal Parks

For further information contact:
The Royal Parks Press Office T: 020 7298 2128 E: press@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Editor's notes:
Richmond Park is London's largest Site of Special Scientific Interest, a National Nature Reserve, a candidate European Special Area of Conservation and a Grade 1 Listed landscape. Species records for the Park include 49 grasses, rush and sedges; over 250 fungi; more than 1000 beetles; 546 butterflies and moths; 139 spiders; 144 birds; and 25 mammals.

Millions of Londoners and tourists visit the eight Royal Parks for free each year. The 5,000 acres of carefully conserved historic parkland provide unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of the capital.

The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park (with Primrose Hill), Richmond Park and St James's Park.