The Dorset Heaths Partnership, Litter Free Dorset and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are working together this summer on a campaign to raise awareness of the risks of disposable BBQs.
Throughout August, eye-catching artwork will appear on the back of Dorset buses encouraging residents and visitors to bring picnics not BBQs to the county’s countryside sites.
The use of disposable BBQs poses a significant threat to Dorset’s natural environment during the summer months. And they can cause wildfires, be a hazard if not disposed of properly, and are illegal on heathlands – as are any fires.
The colourful artwork for the #BringAPicnicNotABBQ campaign will be seen on routes from west Dorset to Weymouth and from Weymouth to Wareham.
Paul Attwell, Team Manager of the Dorset Heaths Partnership, said:
“Wildfires have a huge impact on the local community, they put the safety of the public and wildlife at risk and can destroy large areas of heathland and forest. Disposable BBQs and campfires have been seen as a cause of these.
“The heathland habitat is now rarer on the planet than rainforest and is home to all six of the UK’s native reptiles, including the endangered Smooth Snake and Sand Lizard. It is also home to lots of rare species of birds and insects. As a partnership we all work hard to preserve it for future generations”
Group Manager Graham Kewley from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said:
“We have seen a steady increase in fires in the open with a spike in the summer of 2022, with 912 fires in 2022 and 510 in 2023. These incidents highlight just how devastating, and resource intensive, wildfires are.
“With warm weather, it is only natural to want to go outdoors and enjoy it with friends and family, but it is also important to stay fire-aware when out and about. The idea behind the #BringAPicnicNotABBQ campaign is to remind those enjoying our countryside that bringing a picnic is a much safer option than having a barbecue.”
Sophie Carpenter of Litter Free Dorset said:
“To support this campaign through the summer, Litter Free Dorset are encouraging businesses across Dorset to choose to remove disposable BBQs from sale. Disposable BBQs are single use, non-recyclable and if littered are a big fire risk. Help us prevent incidents of fire and injury by choosing alternatives this summer – opt for a picnic instead!”
Councillor Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said:
“Raising the awareness around the dangers of disposable BBQs is key in helping everyone to enjoy the amazing greenspaces in Dorset safely. This work also contributes to the council’s efforts to tackle climate change and nature loss in our county. By taking steps to try and prevent wildfires we can help reduce the devastating impact they can have on both our air quality and our wildlife.”
Councillor Ryan Hope, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement, continued:
“Dorset Council is always keen to work in partnership to raise awareness around key issues for public safety to help everyone enjoy our green spaces this summer.”
For more information on the campaign, visit www.dorsetheaths.org.uk/bbq-campaign
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