Protect the parks by not using BBQs
As temperatures soar in London this weekend and into next week, we're reminding visitors that BBQs are not permitted in the parks, due to the risk of causing an accidental fire which could destroy wildlife, landscapes and be a danger to visitors.
The Met Office has issued the first heat-health alert of the year and put a ‘very high fire severity’ warning in place for the weekend.
Several fires are accidentally started in the Royal Parks every year by embers and ash falling from disposable BBQs. Previously we have lost wildlife such as slower moving reptiles, amphibians and insects to grassland fires in Richmond Park, which is an important habitat for wildlife and a National Nature Reserve.
The fires can have a devastating effect, destroying historic parkland that hosts a rich diversity of wildlife and wiping out valuable wildflower meadowland. In previous years, fires have destroyed veteran trees, destroyed flower seed banks, and harmed or even killed birds and mammals.
The charity warns that fires have started when people have positioned their BBQs under the shade of large trees which could be hundreds of years old. Some of the oldest trees in the parks have become hollow over time, creating a chimney effect when a fire starts – enabling the fire to spread through the tree rapidly, destroying the tree and killing animals.
In Richmond Park, trees that have stood for over 700 years have gone up in flames following accidental fires caused by BBQs.
As well as the impacts to the important natural environment, these fires also pose risks to people and property including those people tackling the fires.
Please do not use BBQs and protect this wonderful wildlife.
Michael Rowland, Head of Park Operations at The Royal Parks, said: “As many of us look forward to the first heatwave of the year, please remember that BBQs are banned from the parks. We also ask people to take litter home as dropped cigarettes and glass bottles increase the risk of a fire. Fires can spread extremely quickly across dry landscapes and are a danger to people, wildlife, and property.
“The parks are brimming with wonderful wildlife and incredible landscapes and with this seasonal, sunny weather it is a fantastic time to soak up the nature and enjoy a picnic in this beautiful environment.
“But sadly there have been some awful occasions where we’ve seen wildlife, trees, plants, and grasslands destroyed because of an accidental fire. The last grassland fire in Richmond Park covered 100m² after which we found the charred bodies of several lizards. Grass snakes, toads, frogs, newts, and stag beetles have been killed in other fires.
“Fires also put pressure on the emergency services who are called upon to put them out.
“No-one ever believes it’ll be their actions that cause a fire, but fires can start easily. Please protect wildlife and leave no trace by enjoying a picnic not a BBQ, and by taking any litter home if the bins are full.”
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