Thanks to VB reader Oonagh for bringing this to our attention.
The BBC reported last week that The Forestry Commission, the New Forest Equestrian Association and the New Forest Equine Forum are calling for a ban on the use of Chinese lanterns.
They say the lanterns pose a fire risk because of the large number of properties with thatched roofs and standing crops in the area.
Given the abundance of large agricultural spaces and thatched roofs on the Isle of Wight, many believe it would make sense for any ban to be extended this side of the water too.
Beautiful but dangerous
The lanterns do look beautiful as they float delicately up into the night sky, but, as was almost illustrated during Bestival this year, they can be extremely dangerous.
A festival-goer in the audience audience let one go into the sky, but a gust of wind took it violently towards the main stage and it narrowly avoided causing a disaster.
Problems elsewhere too
Letting them off on the coastline can also cause problems too, with those who spot them floating above the water mistaking them for SOS flares.
Given the large areas of forest and woodland on the Island, we contacted the Forestry Commission this morning to ask for a statement specifically relating to the Island.
We’ve also written to the council to ask for their policy on lighting of Chinese lanterns on their land.
We’ll update you once we hear back from both.
1st November: The Forestry Commission replied with the following statement
“The Forestry Commission does not allow release of flying lanterns without prior agreement from land we own or manage. We do not permit any form of fire except in designated or agreed locations and the lanterns add the problems of litter and potential threats to wildlife/domestic animals.
“The Forestry Commission is one of the New Forest organisations that has joined forces to back the National Farmers Union (NFU) call for people to ‘choose pumpkin lanterns not Chinese lanterns’ for their Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations.”
