With lockdown restrictions set to ease in the coming months, more members of the public are expected to flock to the countryside, coast, and other beauty spots. It is brilliant to see people enjoying the countryside and learning more about food and farming, but it is important to follow the Countryside Code, and importantly in dry weather, the understand the risks presented by wildfires to livestock, wildlife and important habitats, not to mention homes and businesses.
Local areas such as the Northumberland National Park often experience damaging wildfire events and these incidents are set to increase as our climate warms.
That is why the NFU is working to increase public awareness. Meeting recently with the Northumberland Fire Group (NFG), we discussed ways of connecting with the public via local and national social media campaigns, but also using clear signage - not just on farms and in car parks, but also on the approach roads to rural beauty spots.
The Fire Group is also considering having volunteer-run stands in popular beauty spots to talk to people about the Countryside Code, the risk of wildfires, and how people can act responsibly - not using disposable barbeques and taking their litter home.
What can you do?
- Keep an eye on the Met Office’s Fire Severity Index
- Order the NFU’s Countryside Code gatepost sign and display it around your farm to generate awareness
- Download Defra's Countrysdie Code posters