The problem
As the popularity of releasing Chinese flying lanterns at parties and other events grows, the problems they can cause for farmers are becoming increasingly apparent.
Sometimes known as Sky Lanterns, they conventionally consist of a canopy, made from fire-retardant paper, attached to a wire or bamboo frame, and containing a fuel cell attached to a thin, metal wire. When lit, they float upwards to considerable heights, and can remain airborne for many minutes, travelling up to 15 miles from where they were released.
Flying lanterns are often released in significant numbers, and once released there is no way of controlling the direction or distance of travel. Suppliers of lanterns consistently claim that the product is “100% biodegradable”, but this ignores the existence of metal wire in their construction. While non-metal substitutes
are available (sometimes known as eco-lanterns),
but they are not widely used at present.
We have had numerous reports of harm to livestock, and in some instances death, when lanterns have landed in farmers’ fields, most commonly as a result of cattle ingesting the metal wires. In particular there is a risk to cattle when grass is cut and ensiled for winter feed, and the wire is chopped up and subsequently contained in hay or silage. This can also be a problem in relation to the bamboo frames. Lanterns pose further welfare risks to livestock, as well as other animals, if the wire entangles itself around the animal’s foot and becomes embedded into the skin. They also pose a fire hazard to dry standing crops and farm buildings, as well as to non-farm environments, not to mention the problem of unsightly litter they cause.
What we’re doing about it
The NFU believes that an outright ban is not yet justified - but that if those who manufacture and supply flying lanterns fail to address the problem in the immediate future, then there will be no alternative. We understand the burdens that unnecessary statutory regulation places on industry, and believes that a voluntary approach should be allowed before a compulsory ban on these lanterns is demanded.
Consequently, we have written to the government, asking them to publicise and support a call for manufacturers and suppliers of flying lanterns to end the production and supply of any lanterns that are not 100% biodegradable. This includes the presence of any metal, however small, in their construction. We have stated that these voluntary measures must be in place before the outdoor party season begins in earnest this Summer, by May 1 2010, and that if we see evidence of the sale or supply of lanterns with metal frames after this date, an immediate, outright ban must be implemented by the government, to protect the welfare of farm livestock as well as other wild mammals.
We have also said we will continue to review the safety of lanterns over the next year, particularly with regard to risks posed by the bamboo frame and any fire hazard. If we believe that the release of large numbers of lanterns continues to threaten the welfare of farm animals, to pose a risk the safety of farm buildings and crops, and to cause a significant litter nuisance, we will consider calling for a complete ban.
What you can do
Given the short timeframe in which we would like a voluntary ban to take effect, we need to make sure our concerns about flying lanterns are heard as widely as possible, as soon as possible. One way you can help is by writing to your MP, telling them of your experiences with lanterns, and asking them to support our campaign for a voluntary ban on non-biodegradable lanterns by May 1. If you would like to write a letter, here are some key points you might include:
• In light of the increasing use of flying lanterns year-on-year, and the problems you have experienced, ask your MP to press the government to support NFU’s call for a voluntary ban on the UK manufacture and supply of non-biodegradable Chinese flying lanterns.
• For the measures to be effective, the ban must be in place before this year’s outdoor party season begins in earnest, by May 1st 2010, and must include the replacement for sale and supply of all lanterns containing wire frames with biodegradable alternatives.
• If there is evidence of lanterns containing metal wire still being supplied after May 1st, then ask your MP to demand an immediate, compulsory ban of all non-biodegradable lanterns
• Ask your MP to press the government to undertake a close assessment of the manufacture, import and supply of flying lanterns in the UK, so as to better inform them of the best course of action in the event a compulsory ban is required.
• Your MP should also press the government to commit to an ongoing review over the next 12 months of the effect of the use of flying lanterns in the UK. This should include the health risks to animals presented by the bamboo frame, and the fire risks to crops and buildings, as well as the litter nuisance lanterns cause. The government should launch an information campaign requiring suppliers to provide a safety guide and “health warning” to consumers considering using lanterns at a party or event, encouraging users to take into account their location, forecast weather conditions and other factors, before committing to purchase any lanterns.
Please contact your regional NFU office, or alternately the NFU’s Government and Parliamentary Affairs Team in Westminster, if you need any further information about writing to your MP. You can find out who your MP is here.
Please let Nick von Westenholz, NFU government affairs adviser, know if you have written or are writing to your MP on this issue (email Nick here), and please get in touch if you need any further advice or information.
- simon carr - 24/10/2011
Just found a chinese lantern stuck to our open hay barn. potentially could have lost 1000 bales had this caught light.
- Stephen Horner - 22/08/2011
I have written to my MP Sir Alan Haselhurst, and have received a reply from Minister of State at the department for Business, Innovation and Skills. This matter is being discussed at Brussels. Also wrote to my local council, Parish Coincillor and have a write up warning about the use of chinese lanterns, in several Local Parish magazines. A scare over the weekend off the East Anglia Coast a search was made to try and trace the flare, but it is thought it may have been a chinese lantern.
Lets all contact our local MP.
- Stephen Horner - 02/08/2011
We live in a village with 18 thatched properties and this last weekend we saw these dangerous objects in the sky nearby. I have emailed the Essex Fire Brigade and have had a very informative reply. Get in touch with all your local fire brigades/authorities.