Following the recent spell of dry weather, there is an increased risk of fires taking hold. Last weekend, a fire was lit in reedbeds at Far Ings National Nature Reserve. It’s thought that the fire was started by a wild camper and got out of control. Fortunately, the fire brigade were able to respond quickly and extinguish it before too much damage was done.

At Gibraltar Point, a disposable barbecue set fire to the surrounding vegetation. The fire had already gone out when it was found by a visitor but these incidents have raised concerns for the nature reserves across the county. And at Greetwell Hollow nature reserve, the fire brigade have already been called out to three incidents.

Dave Bromwich, Head of Reserves, said:

“Fires can have a devastating effect on the landscape and wildlife particularly at this time of year when birds are nesting – grassy habitats where skylarks nest and dense bushes where robins nest are particularly prone to fires. Many species are mobile and can survive but eggs and nestlings certainly won’t.

“Fires can also easily get out of control in dry conditions. Even if it appears to be out, a fire can smoulder underground in the dry roots of plants and flare up again. We would like to remind people that barbecues and fires should not be lit on nature reserves and wild camping is not permitted.”

If you’re visiting a nature reserve please help us reduce the risk of fire:

• No fires or barbecues
• No wild camping
• Please take your litter home

Nature reserves are special places that are home to some of the county’s rarest wildlife. By acting responsibly when visiting, we can all play a part in ensuring that they remain so.