With the weather warming up, Brits are being encouraged to be mindful of local wildlife when having a BBQ.
Chris Bonnett, garden boss and founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk is urging people to avoid using insect repellent sprays and be mindful of where they set up their BBQ to avoid harming our furry friends when enjoying the sun.
Disturbing and harming wildlife could result in an unlimited fine and up to six months imprisonment under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which makes it illegal to kill, injure or disturb certain animals, or destroy a habitat while it is being built or used.*
To be mindful of wildlife, Chris advises using scents such as lavender and garlic to deter insects and animals without causing them harm.
Britons should also be mindful of any rubbish that could be left outside such as beer bottle caps, food scraps and napkins as they can be toxic to animals and cause choking hazards.
Chris said: “Protecting our wildlife is incredibly important and there are small steps we can all take to ensure we’re doing this.
“When it comes to BBQ’s there are different things that can have a negative impact on wildlife from food scraps and leftover rubbish to harmful insect repellents and fire hazards.
“Keeping your garden tidy and being mindful of where you’re setting up your BBQ are just some of the easy ways you can still enjoy your BBQ without it being at the expense of local wildlife.
“If you’re trying to keep insects and other animals away from your gathering then consider using things like citronella candles, lavender, or citrus peels. These can help deter wildlife without causing them any harm. ”
How to have a wildlife friendly BBQ
- Avoid setting up near nesting areas
Stay away from setting up your BBQ near nesting birds, trees, shrubs or tall grass. Although the area may look quiet, you could be disturbing an ecosystem.
- Clean up food scraps
Leftovers and scraps such as bones and bread can be extremely toxic to wildlife so ensure you are cleaning them up at the end of your BBQ. Don’t forget to clean any grease spills as this can also harm wildlife.
- Be mindful of rubbish
Things like beer bottle caps, napkins, foil and other rubbish pose a choking hazard to wildlife who could mistake the rubbish for food. Before going inside at the end of the evening, do a thorough check of your garden for any rubbish laying around or hiding in the grass.
- Be careful with fire
Be mindful that your BBQ isn’t set up anywhere where the embers or ash could catch fire. If lighting a firepit in the evening make sure it is away from dry grass, low hanging branches or wildlife habitats. Fully extinguish flames before going inside and stir the ashes to make sure no hot spots remain.
- Avoid harmful insect sprays
Many people attempt to keep insects away from the BBQ using sprays but these are likely to harm pollinators like bees and butterflies. Even if it doesn’t come into contact with them directly, the particles can contaminate nectar and pollen. Instead, opt for insect repelling scents such as citronella candles, mint, rosemary or lavender.
- Be mindful of night visitors
Hedgehogs and foxes are more likely to come out later in the evening. If you’re still hosting when darkness settles avoid bright lights or loud noises that could disorientate them. If you prefer to keep them away, use natural scents to deter them without causing them harm. This includes garlic, chilli powder or citrus peels.
- Get rid of rubbish bags
Get rid of rubbish bags as soon as possible to avoid wildlife ripping into them in search of food. Not only will this make a mess in your garden but it can also be harmful for animals as they can come across food that is toxic or a choking hazard.
