11 August 2008
Hampstead Heath cracks down on summer barbecues
Visitors to London’s famous Hampstead Heath are being asked to
pack a picnic rather than a portable barbecue this summer.
The City of London Corporation, which owns and manages the
Heath, is cracking down on barbecues, which cause damage by burning
areas of grass. They also create a litter nuisance and pose a
serious fire hazard when not properly extinguished.
More than 20 new signs have gone up in prominent positions on
the entry points to the Heath, warning visitors that barbecues are
banned. And Heath rangers and Constabulary are stepping up patrols,
particularly around the popular areas of the open space, to
extinguish illicit barbecues.
Despite the fact that bye-laws have banned barbecues on the
Heath for years (see notes below), several hundred still take place
during sunny summer weekends.
Staff are now keen to make people aware of the problems that
barbecues cause and to warn that persistent offenders risk a court
summons and fines of up to £200.
Bob Hall, Chairman of Hampstead Heath Management Committee,
said: “Visitors need to be aware of the potentially serious damage
a barbecue can cause to the Heath. On hot days, certain areas on
the Heath can resemble a chess board, chequered with scorch marks.
They also create a terrible litter problem as many people leave
them lying around rather than binning them.
“We hope that people will understand why we are taking a hard
line on this and will work with us to help preserve the integrity
of the Heath for everyone to enjoy.”
Ends
Notes to editors
Barbecues are covered under Hampstead Heath bye-law 31: “No
person shall in any open space discharge any gun, syringe, squirt,
catapult or other instrument, or shall wantonly or recklessly throw
or discharge any stone or missile, or make any bonfire or let off
any firework.”
The City of London Corporation has owned and managed Hampstead
Heath (excluding the Kenwood Estate) since 1989. Situated in North
London and spanning the boroughs of Camden and Barnet, the 791
acres make up one of Britain’s most popular open spaces. Situated
just four miles from Trafalgar Square, the Heath is treasured by
its visitors for being an island of tranquil countryside in the
heart of London. More than seven million people visit Hampstead
Heath each year.