High fire risk means no barbecues in the Park

 
Today we’re announcing a complete ban on all barbecues across the Nene Park estate until further notice.
 
This decision is in direct response to the increased fire risk caused by the extreme heat waves we have been having. The ground, trees, and foliage across the Park have all become very dry and a spark from a fire or barbecue could start a fire that could quickly spread and get out of hand.
 
From Thursday 16 July, all the fixed barbecue stands in the Park will be covered up and signs placed nearby clearly explaining the ban. There will be additional signage around the Park and increased security in place in the evenings to remind visitors and help keep everyone safe.

We understand that many visitors will be disappointed by this change but hope that the majority of our visitors will understand that the most important thing we need to consider is keeping everyone and our beautiful Park and wildlife safe.
 
Duncan Bridges, Director of Landscape and Conservation for Nene Park Trust says, “We are highly aware of the increasing numbers of wildfires across the country, including in green spaces not far from us in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Moreover, Natural England has recently declared that parts of the UK, including the Midlands, are now at ‘exceptional’ risk of wildfire. We can’t delay this decision any longer and hope all our visitors will support us by leaving their barbecues at home this summer.”
 
The only exceptions to this ban are private events that have been organised at Lakeside Kitchen and Bar, our Nene Outdoors campsites or at the weekly Foodie Friday events, where there are additional fire extinguishers and safety measures in place.
 
This ban will remain until further notice but it is likely to continue for the entirety of the summer.
 
So in summary:
No barbecues or campfires of any kind are allowed anywhere across Ferry Meadows and the wider Nene Park estate from now until further notice.