In this region, Northumberland Wildlife Trust is asking visitors to its reserves and the wider countryside to:  

• Pack a picnic, not a BBQ 
• Only light BBQs or campfires in authorised locations where there are fire extinguishers available 
• Extinguish cigarettes or matches and never throw them onto the ground 
• Take litter home because discarded bottles and cans can cause fires  
• If you spot smoke, or flames, make sure you’re safe and dial 999 immediately 

Geoff Dobbins, Northumberland Wildlife Trust estates manager says: “We are in a climate and nature emergency. Our landscapes are under more pressure than ever before as temperatures rise and changing weather patterns mean they are more susceptible to wildfires. A BBQ or stray cigarette may set light to a much-loved beauty spot leading to destruction that takes decades to repair.

“One minute it's a nice family occasion where you're cooking a couple of burgers – then the next minute tragedy can strike and wildlife and precious habitat are devastated by wildfires. We want everyone to enjoy our wonderful wild places - please join us in taking care of them and acting responsibly.” 

The government has launched a review into whether or not disposable barbecues should be banned in Britain which may result in them disappearing from supermarket shelves.  Single-use barbecues are responsible for 4 percent of serious accidental wildfires, according to Home Office data.

In Surrey, a wildfire ripped through 740 acres of rare and precious lowland heathland, devastating wildlife. Ash Ranges is home to rare and endangered wildlife but became an inferno as strong winds whipped the flames decimating the important Site of Special Scientific Interest, leaving the ground smoking for three days.  

A huge wildfire at Dorset’s largest lowland heath, Canford Heath, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, killed ground nesting birds, lizards and smooth snakes. In Teesside, a moorland fire affected birds and deer.