Trees burned by barbecues at Rutland Water sparks call for ban
A couple have called for an outright ban on barbecues within a country park after a mature tree was burned.
The former police officer and his wife, who do not want to be named, were outraged to discover a tree at Rutland Water had to be extinguished by firefighters after an abandoned barbecue caught it alight.
They feel that only a blanket ban on barbecues at the park will keep the environment safe.
It is understood the fire started after a used barbecue was not disposed of safely.
An Anglian Water spokesperson said: “Although we’re pleased that Rutland provides an accessible, beautiful spot for visitors to barbecue, protecting the park’s precious natural environment is always our top priority.
“Sadly, an oak tree was damaged at the park at the end of July due to unsafe barbecue disposal.
“We’d like to thank the fire service for their support, and ask visitors to follow fire safety guidance when barbecuing.
“Please make sure barbecues are raised off the ground, and that they are put out completely before disposing of them.”
In addition to these rules, Anglian Water says barbecues must be extinguished by 8pm.
But the couple, who visit Rutland Water regularly, have taken several photos of damage that has been inflicted on the environment over a number of days this summer.
They have identified 13 mature trees at Whitwell where barbecue ash or coals could be found at the base of the trunks, and that some of these trees showed evidence of heat damage.
Regarding Anglian Water’s reliance on rules, they added: “There is little sense having rules like ‘keep barbecues off the ground’ when people don’t follow them.
“There are scorch marks all over the grass and a ranger told us a memorial bench has also been damaged to the point it had to be removed.
“There needs to be an outright ban on barbecues, not tinkering around the edges.
“If this were happening in Burghley Park in Stamford it would be treated very differently.
“Now is an opportunity for Anglian Water to come up with a new policy for next spring and summer.”
Do you think barbecues should be banned from Rutland Water? Have your say in the comments section below.
