Litter Free Dorset has released a video with real footage and information from the recent Wareham Forest Fire to illustrate the severity of impacts and damage that can be caused as a result of a heathland wildfire.
Film on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LitterFreeDorset/videos/317966162847079
The Wareham Forest fire, started accidentally on 18th May 2020, by campfires and disposable BBQs, resulted in the destruction of 220 hectares of woodland and heathland. Not only did this damage the local ecosystem and the many rare species of plants and animals that inhabit the heathland, it also impacted local businesses surrounding Wareham Forest and air quality as far away as Southampton. In the first two weeks, over 250 firefighters were in attendance to extinguish the fire and damp down any hot spots and flare ups. River water was pumped from five miles away and additional support from Hampshire, Devon & Somerset, Royal Berkshire, and South Wales Fire Rescue Services were required. Forestry England have said that the area’s habitat could take decades to recover.
Throughout summer, Litter Free Dorset has collaborated with the Urban Heath Partnership and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to run the campaign ‘BBQs Burn More Than Bangers’. This campaign aims to remind holiday makers, visitors and residents alike to use and dispose of single-use disposable barbecues responsibly this summer. Alongside a significant social media campaign run by Litter Free Dorset and a campaign animation video, there has been business engagement across Dorset with local shops, holiday parks, campsites, garages and supermarkets. This has resulted in campaign posters on display around the county, in carparks, country parks, windows of local businesses, and on BBQ stands in shops and supermarkets. 62 supermarkets have been contacted and posters delivered to all. Campaign banners can also be seen displayed around Dorset’s heathlands.
The message is clear and simple, stop having barbecues and campfires in the countryside, and if you want to barbecue, have it at home. If you’re out in the countryside, why not pack a picnic instead?
For more information/how you can help…
- If you would like more information on the campaign, please check out the Litter Free Dorset website
- Download your own #BBQsBurnMoreThanBangers poster, to stick up at home or in your shop window, from the Litter Free Dorset Resource Hub
- If you’re planning a BBQ this weekend, have it at home. If you’re out and about, pack a picnic or support a local café. And of course, Be cool and take your litter home.
