BBQ and campfire ban in high fire risk areas
Our Cabinet agreed to ban the use of disposable BBQs and the lighting of campfires on Dorset Council-owned land at high fire risk areas, like our country parks, woodlands and heaths. This action came about after the devastating Wareham Forest Fire which burned between May and July last year.
Many wild creatures and important habitats were lost to this fire and will take years to recover. Our woodlands are very special places and Dorset’s heathland is the only place in the UK where you’ll find all six native reptile species, and ground nesting birds and other creatures which make their homes there.
We’re working with our partners, local supermarkets and landowners to support the BBQ and campfire ban in high fire risk areas.
Remember – dry, warm and windy weather is perfect for wildfires, so make sure cigarettes are extinguished properly and don’t light a bonfire…it’s easy for things to get out of control. Please take a picnic on your day out in Dorset.
Dorset Council has a statutory duty to provide emergency and temporary accommodation.
Welcoming back visitors
Tourism is worth around £1.8billion to the Dorset economy and we are delighted to welcome back visitors.
We love Dorset and we want visitors to love it – and respect it – too. This year our ‘Promise to Love Dorset’ campaign has targeted holiday makers before they arrive, showing Dorset at its finest while asking visitors to respect our environment, take home litter, take care on our roads and on our coastline, and to be considerate of residents.
We have also stepped up fines for people who break parking laws. We have introduced new tow-away zones, have more litter bins and more frequent collections in place. Volunteer ambassadors will welcome visitors at key locations across the county signposting to the best Dorset has to offer.
