National retailers support New Forest 'Ban the BBQ' campaign
It follows calls to protect the environment
Last updated 15th Apr 2022
Two years ago, the New Forest National Park Authority called on retailers in and around the New Forest to remove disposable BBQs from sale and for a continued ban on fires and BBQs in the open countryside of the National Park.
It followed a massive wildfire in neighbouring Dorset which is believed to have been started by a BBQ.
220 hectares of rare heathland were destroyed in the blaze at Wareham Forest.
Meanwhile on one hot summer's day in the New Forest when the fire risk was declared high, rangers had to put out 60 BBQs.
Since then, the New Forest has now been declared a complete no BBQ and fire zone and 50 shops and outlets in and around the New Forest have taken disposable BBQs off sale with Brockenhurst business Streets Ironmongers leading the way locally.
In June last year Co-op led the way nationally, taking the unprecedented decision to remove disposable BBQs from sale in stores within a mile radius of national parks in the bid to stop wildfires.
Now Waitrose and Aldi have decided to nationally ban disposable BBQs in all their stores to reduce fire risk and cut down on waste by taking single-use BBQs off sale. Aldi said its ban on them would remove 35 tons of single-use waste packaging.
Marks and Spencer, Tesco and Sainsbury's have also taken them off sale around the New Forest.
New Forest bosses want to see even more retailers on board and are urging people to encourage their local store to join the campaign.
Last year Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council also put in measures to control the use of disposable BBQs and have been asking local retailers to withdraw them from sale.
Campaign steps up a gear
The campaign also sparked New Forest East MP Dr Julian Lewis to bring the matter up in Parliament. High Peaks MP Robert Largan is now sponsoring a Private Members Bill to prohibit the use of disposable BBQs on open moorland; to give local authorities the power to prohibit the sale of disposable BBQs in their area; and for connected purposes. The second reading is due on 6 May 2022.
BBQs, camping stoves or anything with a naked flame are no longer permitted in car parks or any areas of the Forest managed by Forestry England, the National Trust, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, and Wellow Parish Council.
All BBQ facilities at Forestry England sites have been removed, and prominent ‘no BBQ’ signs are at Forestry England car parks and information points.
Protecting the area
More than half the New Forest National Park is internationally-protected because of its rare wildlife, the woods and lowland heathland are of global environmental importance for wildlife and their peaty soils store carbon – helping to reduce climate change. Wildfires would cause immense damage to the ground and would release carbon from the habitats as well as damage the fauna and flora.