With the hot weather we have been having, more people have been out and about, spending warm evenings on the beach or parks.

And with the school summer holidays starting, Dorset is set to be busier than ever with people enjoying its beaches, parks and green open spaces.

Although it may be tempting, people are urged not to have barbecues in the open at Dorset's beauty spots and instead take a picnic - with some areas banning the use of disposable barbecues after the Wareham Forest fire.

On May 18, 2020, the Wareham Forest fire - believed to be one of the most devastating forest and heath fires in living memory - destroyed an area the size of 230 football pitches.

More than 430 firefighters worked hard to control the blaze, which burnt for more than two weeks and cost more than £1 million.

Many wild creatures and important habitats were also lost, and a recovery effort involved many conservationists. The fire is believed to have been started by a discarded disposable barbecue.

Dorset Council has banned barbecues and fires on all its country parks and land deemed to be a high fire risk, including Thorncombe Woods, Puddletown Forest and the area next to Syward Road.

You can use Dorset Council's interactive map to see where barbecues are banned.

Groves Nurseries in Bridport stopped the sale of instant barbecues following the Wareham Forest fire and a number of supermarkets - Co-op, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Waitrose and Tesco Express - have included 'barbecue responsibly' signage in their stores.

For more information visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

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