Forest Fires and BBQs

Now that spring has sprung and the sun is shining over the Dunster estate it is very tempting to bring a BBQ out into the woods or to make your own fire from bits of deadwood lying in the forest and cook up a few sausages.

As understandable as this is, we ask that you leave the BBQs at home, and to not start fires. It will not have escaped your attention that the hot, dry april has led to extremely dry conditions all over the country, and Dunster is no exception. The huge heath and forest fires raging across the county as I write this demonstrate how little it takes to start a major fire- many of these will have been started by simple BBQs or camp fires.

Forest and heath fires can do great damage to habitats and wildlife, and the costs can spiral into millions of pounds- just from one spark!

By all means bring a picnic, enjoy our walks and the shelter of the woods, and save the BBQ for when you get home!