How to Help Prevent Forest Fires in the New Forest

Protecting the New Forest starts with all of us

The New Forest is one of the most beautiful and special places in the country, and here at Red Shoot Camping Park, we're incredibly lucky to have this unique landscape right on our doorstep.

But during heatwaves, droughts and prolonged periods of hot, dry weather, the risk of forest fires increases significantly.

Dry grass, heathland, vegetation and peat can become extremely flammable, and once a fire starts, hot and windy conditions can allow it to spread incredibly quickly. Recent fires in and around the New Forest are a reminder of just how important it is for everyone to take care when visiting and staying in the area.

We want our guests to enjoy their time here, whether you're exploring the Forest, relaxing on your pitch or enjoying a BBQ, while also helping us protect the Forest, its wildlife and our local community.

So, here are some simple ways you can help prevent forest fires during your stay.

Why are heatwaves and droughts so important?

During a heatwave or period of drought, the New Forest can become particularly vulnerable to fire. Grass, bracken, heathland and other vegetation can become very dry, meaning something as simple as hot charcoal, a discarded cigarette or another source of heat can potentially start a fire.

The risk is even greater when dry conditions are combined with strong winds, which can allow flames to spread rapidly across large areas. That's why extra care is particularly important during periods of extreme heat and drought. Even if the grass around your pitch doesn't look particularly dry, conditions elsewhere in the Forest can be very different.

If you're heading out from Red Shoot to explore the Forest, it's important to remember that open fires and BBQs are not permitted on the open Forest.

That means you should never take a BBQ, fire pit or anything else that creates a naked flame with you when exploring the Forest. Whether you're heading out for a walk, enjoying a picnic or spending the day exploring by bike, please leave BBQs and fires at the campsite. These restrictions are particularly important during hot, dry weather when the risk of fire is increased.

Staying at Red Shoot Camping Park?

We allow guests to bring and use their own BBQs on their pitch, but there are some important rules that must always be followed.

BBQs must be raised off the ground

If you bring a BBQ with you, it must be raised off the ground. Please never place a BBQ directly onto the grass. A hot BBQ can scorch the grass underneath it and, during a heatwave or drought, dry grass can potentially ignite much more easily. We have bricks available at Red Shoot which you can use to safely raise your BBQ off the ground.

If you're unsure about how to position your BBQ safely, please speak to a member of our team.

Burning wood is prohibited

Burning wood is prohibited at Red Shoot Camping Park. This means no wood-burning fires, campfires or fire pits. Please don't use wood in or around your BBQ and don't create a separate fire on your pitch. This rule is especially important during periods of hot and dry weather, when the risk of fire spreading is significantly higher.

Use charcoal for your BBQ

Guests are welcome to bring their own suitable BBQ and use it on their pitch, provided it is safely raised off the ground. We also sell BBQ charcoal in our on-site shop, so you can pick some up during your stay if you need it.

Please remember that a BBQ is for cooking and should never be used as an alternative to an open fire.

Never leave a BBQ unattended

Whatever the weather, never leave a BBQ unattended. Keep children and dogs away from hot BBQs and make sure everyone in your group knows where it is. Remember that BBQs and charcoal can remain extremely hot even after you've finished cooking.

During a heatwave or drought, take extra care to ensure that there are no hot coals, embers or other sources of heat that could come into contact with dry grass.

Always make sure your BBQ is properly extinguished when you've finished using it.

Don't forget about cigarettes

BBQs aren't the only potential cause of fires. During hot, dry weather, a discarded cigarette can be enough to ignite dry grass or vegetation. Please make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished and disposed of safely. Never throw cigarette ends onto the ground or from a vehicle window. If you're walking through the Forest, please be particularly mindful of anything that could potentially cause a fire.

Never take a BBQ into the Forest

It can be tempting to pack a BBQ for a day out, particularly when the weather is warm.

However, BBQs and open fires are not permitted on the open Forest. Instead, enjoy your picnic without a flame and leave your BBQ safely back at the campsite. The New Forest is a precious environment, and preventing fires is everyone's responsibility.

What should you do if you see a fire?

If you spot a fire in the New Forest, move to a safe location and call 999 immediately.

Try to provide the emergency services with as much information about your location as possible. A nearby landmark or a What3Words location can help firefighters find the fire quickly.

Never put yourself at risk trying to tackle a wildfire.

Wildfires can spread extremely quickly, particularly during periods of heat, drought and strong winds. Leave firefighting to the professionals and follow any instructions given by the emergency services.

 

Let's protect the New Forest together

The New Forest is more than just a beautiful place to visit. It's a unique environment, home to incredible wildlife, ancient landscapes and a way of life that makes this area so special. As a campsite located right on the edge of the Forest, we want to do everything we can to help protect it.

During heatwaves, droughts and prolonged periods of hot, dry weather, that responsibility becomes even more important. So, whether you're staying with us for a weekend, a longer holiday or simply visiting the area, please take a few extra moments to think about fire safety.

Enjoy the New Forest, respect the rules and help us keep this incredible place safe. ❤️