Visitors reminded not to BBQ

As London continues to swelter in temperatures of 31 degrees, The Royal Parks charity is urging park visitors ‘to have a picnic’ rather than a BBQ, to reduce the risk of accidental fires.

The charity, which manages London’s eight historic Royal Parks, highlights the dangers of falling embers and ash from BBQs which are not permitted in the parks. This can start fires which can spread quickly across dry grass, putting visitors and staff at risk, as well as having a devastating impact on wildlife, destroying habitats, and killing animals.

In the last 18 months, 52 fires have been reported across the parks, with many caused by BBQs.

The majority of accidental fires have been recorded at Bushy Park, which is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, due to its valuable natural environment, hosting ancient trees, special grasslands, trees, deadwood habitat and rare wildlife.

For example, several tree stumps have been set alight and destroyed. The ecological value of older tree stumps is very high. Even without the full tree, the stumps provide an extremely specialised and unique habitat for the rich biodiversity in the parks.

Michael Rowland, Head of Park Operations at The Royal Parks charity, said: “It is upsetting to witness the avoidable damage caused by accidental fires on these precious landscapes.

“We welcome everyone to the parks to enjoy a picnic, but please remember that BBQs are banned.

“Careless actions can destroy the natural features which make the parks so special.

“We also ask people to put litter in the bins, or take it home if the bins are full, as glass bottles increase the risk of a fire.

“Please help us to protect wildlife and leave no trace.”

Fires create a risk for staff and other visitors and put pressure on the emergency services.

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