15/08/2026
As a response to the extreme wildfires in the New Forest over the last week, we are joining the advice to temporarily ban all outdoor bbqs & our fire pits at Langford Farm. We thank all our guests for their understanding during this extreme time of hot, dry weather.
The New Forest National Park Authority today welcomed the Government’s temporary ban on the sale of disposable BBQs.
During the current major heathland wildfire in the National Park (although in this case caused by a vehicle) the Authority has joined partners in issuing wildfire safety messages.
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced in 2023 banning lighting fires of any type in the open countryside, including BBQs of any kind and any outdoor cooking facilities or equipment. It also makes it an offence to place, throw or drop items likely to cause a fire, such as lit ci******es. Failure to comply can lead to fixed penalty notices of £100, which can rise to £1,000 following a successful prosecution.
At the 10 New Forest - Forestry England campsites in the area purpose built (non-disposable) BBQs and outdoor cooking equipment have been allowed, given that staff are on hand and other precautions in place at these locations. But earlier this week, as a result of the current wildfire incident and raised risks to the area, Forestry England temporarily extended the ban to include the use of all BBQs and outdoor cooking equipment at these campsites.
Following this the National Park Authority began contacting over 100 independent campsites within the National Park asking them to sign up to temporarily ban all BBQs, firepits and campfires to reduce the risk of further wildfires. Nearly 40 campsites signed up in 24 hours.
National Parks have welcomed the announcement that the sale of disposable BBQs by the Government today. The NPA’s campaign started in 2020 to ban the sale of disposable BBQs in and around the National Park led to more than 60 businesses pledging to take them off sale voluntarily. In just one weekend, rangers working with the fire service extinguished over 60 unsafe BBQs.
The NPA also backed Keep Britain Tidy’s campaign.
Jim Mitchell, the NPA’s Access and Learning Manager, said: ‘We welcome this national temporary ban on the sale of disposable BBQs. They are a major fire risk and although the devastating New Forest wildfire this week wasn’t started by a BBQ it shows how fire can rapidly take hold over massive areas when the landscape is so dry.
‘We thank campsites across the area for taking robust measures to reduce the threats of wildfire and for everyone coming to the National Park this weekend choosing to pack a picnic or buy food at local outlets supporting local businesses.’
Disposable BBQs are:
🔥 a major wildfire risk
💚 harmful to the New Forest Commoners’ animals and our rare wildlife
🚑 causes of injuries to children and adults when hot coals and sharp metal are left in the countryside or buried on beaches
🗑️ single-use and create waste.
More than half the New Forest National Park is internationally-protected because of its rare wildlife, the ancient woods and lowland heathland are of global importance for wildlife and their peaty soils store carbon – helping to mitigate against climate change.
Wildfires cause immense damage to the ground and release carbon from the habitats as well as damage the fauna and flora.
📷 Gorse fire in 2020 due to a BBQ at Sway, New Forest National Park. Credit Mac Hall
