As the Easter weekend approaches, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (GWT) has issued guidance on enjoying nature safely ahead of the bank holiday.
Last month, wildfires broke out at Juniper Hill in the Slad Valley causing devastation to both Juniper Hill Fields and Juniper Hill Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The areas sustained considerable damage affecting nesting birds, plus mammals and reptiles beginning to emerge from hibernation.
With the dry and warm weather set to continue, GWT is reminding people about the sensitivity of many wildlife sites in the county, and the importance of avoiding the wildfires being seen elsewhere in the country.
For the public, this means using designated barbecue sites and making sure they dispose of barbeques and cigarette butts safely. Wildfires can quickly take hold and with the dry conditions spread easily. Fires are becoming an increasing risk to wildlife sites in the county as the impact of climate change and dry conditions continue to take effect.
Grove Skyes, Lead Land Manager (East), for GWT commented: “Thanks to the quick actions of the local fire brigade and residents, the damage to Juniper Hill was contained but could easily have spread to neighbouring areas, causing wider devastation.
We’re urging people to act responsibly and not take barbecues to nature sites where the risk of wildfires is a major threat. GWT have sites such as Robinswood Hill that have barbecue facilities on hand, and it’s crucial visitors check these details.
We want people to get out and enjoy nature this Easter, however it’s important for people to think about the sensitivity of the site and make sure all rubbish is either taken away or disposed of in the appropriate way.”
GWT have signs at their vulnerable nature reserves to inform visitors about the risks of wildfire to habitats.
Donna Potts, Prevention Manager at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service want everybody to be able to enjoy spending time in our countryside. With the current conditions, wildfires can spread rapidly, placing people, property and wildlife in danger so we are urging the public to take a few extra precautions to prevent fires starting.
“Avoid using disposable barbecues in open countryside and parks, take a picnic instead and take your rubbish home, do not discard cigarettes, matches or glass bottles as they can ignite dry vegetation. If you see signs of fire, call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service.”
More information can be found on the GWT website – www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk
