CLA backs ban for sky lanterns

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A call by National Parks England to ban sky lanterns has been backed by the CLA in the North.

The CLA, which represents thousands of landowners, farmers and rural businesses in the region, has welcomed the National Parks England statement, highlighting its increasing concern about the use of sky lanterns and their potential impact on the countryside.

The report specifically highlights the risk sky lanterns pose to livestock farming – which it says is key to the fabric of many national parks - as a serious concern.

CLA North Regional Director Dorothy Fairburn said: “We have campaigned for many years on the dangers posed by sky lanterns, so we welcome National Parks England publicly stating they are a littering nuisance and its wish to see them banned.

“With the support of our region’s national parks and an increasing number of local authorities banning the release of lanterns from council-owned land, we hope the Government will take note of a growing desire to see the use of these flying bonfires banned.

“We urge people to think twice about the implications of releasing a naked flame with no control over where it will land. Without an outright ban, it is up to the public to do the right thing and use other more environmentally-friendly ways to celebrate an event.”