More than 50 stores join campaign to ban disposable barbecues
MORE than 50 retailers have removed disposable barbecues from their shelves in support of a campaign to ban them from sale in the New Forest over fears of fires.
National park authority chair Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre has issued a thank-you to outlets and locals that have backed the push which it made earlier this summer amid warnings the Forest was extremely dry and at risk of major blazes.
He said on Monday: “With the fire warning still in place and hot weather due this weekend and next week, it is vital we continue to urge retailers to join in the campaign to keep the Forest safe this summer.
“Our woods and lowland heathland are of global environmental importance for wildlife and their peaty soils store carbon and help reduce climate change.
“Wildfires at this time of year would cause immense damage to the ground and the rare flora and fauna. We must protect them from unintentional fires caused by carelessness.”
The NPA started its ban campaigning five weeks ago with help from Street Ironmongers in Brockenhurst and other organisations including Forestry England, Hampshire county and New Forest district councils and the National Trust.
Streets proprietor Alan Bartlett said: “We’re really pleased so many retailers have taken the campaign on board.
“But we really need to urge the general public to take this cause more seriously having witnessed at the weekend wild camping with campfires being started in the wooded areas of the Forest. It has resulted in an enormous effort required by the keepers to constantly monitor the situation.”
Bruce Rothnie, New Forest Deputy Surveyor for Forestry England, said: “Our team is working around the clock to patrol and inform the public of the high risk of fire and the devastating effect it could have on this precious place.
“Fires of any kind remain banned in the New Forest and we urge anyone planning on enjoying time here to respect and support this.”
The NPA stressed it still needs people’s help to make the whole of the national park barbecue free. It is asking people to request their local store to stop selling disposables and to display a campaign poster available online to download.
Retailers can be added to the list of those supporting the campaign by emailing communications@newforestnpa.gov.uk. For a list of all stores supporting the campaign visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/BBQFreeNewForest
