Television producers and scriptwriters have been urged to think carefully after a prime-time TV show featured a sky lantern release.

Keep Britain Tidy is among those criticising the finale of ITV’s Doc Marten, set in Cornwall, in which people living in the coastal village released lanterns in memory of lost ones. In the episode, one lantern set the village Christmas tree alight; the risk of fire is one reason campaigners want such lanterns banned.

“The charity has voiced concern over an episode of ITVs’ Doc Martin, set on the Cornish coast, which has already attracted criticism from people on social media who are concerned about the environment,” a Keep Britain Tidy spokesman said.

“Every year up to 200,000 sky lanterns are released in the UK, often causing catastrophic damage to wildlife and habitat, and ending up as litter.”

H&H had reported extensively on the dangers of sky lanterns, including the risk they pose to horses, livestock and wildlife, as well as buildings, crops and humans.

Keep Britain Tidy worked with the NFU to create a petition asking the Government to ban sky lanterns, which has 96,000 signatures. Last year, the charity launched a #BanTheFlamingThing campaign.

Keep Britain Tidy chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “Damage to farms and property by sky lanterns is well documented as is harm to animals. These floating flames are highly dangerous.

“We need to stop this very dangerous form of littering and want to see the sale of sky lanterns banned.

“While we continue to call on the Government to take action, in the meantime, we want to see scriptwriters and TV producers step up and think carefully about their representation of issues affecting the environment. Whether it’s portraying the release of sky lanterns or showing characters dropping cigarette butts on the ground, TV is normalising behaviours that do untold damage to the environment and pose a significant risk.”

Animal and equine charities, as well as fire and rescue services, have also been among those calling for a ban on sky lanterns.

Blue Cross head of public affairs Becky Thwaites told H&H: “Sky lanterns present a significant danger to animals and the environment, and can even prove fatal as there is no certainty where they will land.

“They may seem like harmless fun but they can pose a serious fire risk, and are a threat to wild and domestic animals who can suffer serious and painful injuries if they ingest them or become tangled up in them. There have even been cases of horses being set alight by them.

“We back a coalition led by the RSPCA, fire chiefs and other organisations who have tirelessly been calling for a nationwide ban and would urge people to consider other ways of marking an occasion rather than the use of lanterns.”

H&H has approached ITV for comment.

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A renewed push for a total ban on sky lanterns “to safeguard property and animals” is garnering strong support, with a Government petition topping 19,000 signatures – and counting.

NFU launched a petition in May to Tory MP Jo Churchill, Defra parliamentary under secretary of state (minister for agri-innovation and climate adaptation), calling for a total ban on sky lanterns in England and Wales. H&H has contacted Mrs Churchill’s office for comment.

NFU vice-president David Exwood told H&H the organisation has heard from “plenty of farmers about the devastating damage sky lanterns have caused to buildings and fields on their farms and the gruesome injuries they can cause to livestock and other animals”.

“Simply put, all these lanterns must land somewhere and while they may look pretty in the sky, they also become unnecessary litter across our beautiful countryside,” he said.

“We have already seen numerous councils ban sky lanterns, who have rightly recognised the danger they pose, and I would encourage the remaining local authorities to follow the good examples set across the country.”

The petition is part of the NFU’s long-running campaign for a sky lantern ban. In May 2021, 18 organisations – including NFU, the British Horse Society (BHS), Countryside Alliance, RSPCA and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) – wrote to environment minister Rebecca Pow and called on Government to make the use of sky lanterns illegal.

BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox told H&H that the charity worked with the NFU in 2021 to educate the public about the dangers of sky lanterns, alongside the NFU campaign.

“Sky lanterns can cause considerable trauma or distress to horses and livestock,” said Mr Hiscox.

“The BHS has received more than 25 reports from horse owners who have experienced alarming sky lantern incidents. Tragically, three of these reports were horse fatalities and six involved injuries to the horse.”

Mr Hiscox urged anyone planning on using them to “think hard” about the effect they could have on animals and the potential fire risk, and “strongly” encouraged people not to use them.

He added: “The BHS encourages horse owners and farmers to be vigilant in checking their fields and hedgerows, and report any incidents involving sky lanterns, however long ago, at horseincidents.org.uk.”

An RSPCA spokesman told H&H sky lanterns “pose a serious danger to horses, farm animals and wildlife” and the number of signatures on this petition “shows the strength of public feeling”.

Tim Bamford, regional director of CLA South East, which represents farmers, landowners and rural businesses, said: “Put simply, there is no responsible way to use sky lanterns.

“Releasing a naked flame into the skies, having absolutely no control where it will fall, can pose a significant risk to livestock, wildlife, the environment, and rural businesses.

“The CLA has been campaigning for a ban for many years, and it’s imperative that Government listens to the concerns of those living and working in the countryside.”

A Countryside Alliance spokesman told H&H sky lanterns are a “serious danger” to the countryside, livestock and wildlife.

“Drifting for miles they are a menace for farmers and landowners who frequently report sheep, cattle and horses being injured or even dying from eating the wire metal frames of the lanterns or being spooked by them, on top of the fire hazard they pose. Not only that, they are also a serious source of litter in the countryside,” he said.

“We urge people to think twice before letting them off and consider their impact after they have left their hands. If people cannot act responsibly, then firmer action is needed from the Government, which is why we support the calls from the NFU for a total ban.”

View the NFU’s petition calling for a total ban on sky lanterns in England and Wales

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Leading figures from animal, farming, environment and insurance organisations are uniting with firefighters to call for the government to act now and ban sky lanterns.

A new coalition, comprising 18 bodies including the Countryside Alliance and the British Horse Society, has written to environment minister Rebecca Pow to “explain how the Government’s approach not to regulate sky lanterns is now significantly out of date, and out of line with other countries, where the release of sky lanterns is considered an environmental crime due to the harm they cause animals, habitats and the countryside”.

The organisations point out that by enacting section 140 of the Environmental Protection Act, the secretary of state can “prohibit or restrict the importation, use, supply or storage of injurious substances or articles, such as sky lanterns”.

So far, 152 councils have banned the release of sky lanterns on their property but with no national legislation, “the countryside and our farms remain unprotected”.

National Farmers Union deputy president Stuart Roberts said: “The global community is already recognising the dangers of sky lanterns. Countries like Australia, Brazil, and Germany already have national bans, and we must join them.

“This is a simple but incredibly effective and impactful step the Government can take towards a safer, cleaner and greener rural Britain. We wouldn’t light a naked flame in our home and walk away, so why would we send one into the air with no idea whose home or habitat it could eventually destroy?”

The National Fire Chiefs Council “fully supports” a ban, as sky lanterns have been proven to have started wildfires and property fires, killing and injuring animals and polluting the environment, as well as putting extra pressure on emergency services.

The RSPCA and Keep Britain Tidy are also among those calling for the ban.

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BHS safety team lead Des Payne said: “Sky lanterns can cause significant trauma and distress to horses and livestock. We strongly urge people not to use them.

“The pretty sight of a lantern in the sky is not worth the suffering animals can experience. As prey animals, horses can be terrified by sky lanterns looming above them and if one lands in their field, the wire can cause serious internal and external injuries.

“We have received more than 20 reports of harm caused by these lanterns – with horses dying or having to be euthanised in the worst cases. But this may be the tip of the iceberg as we know only one in 10 people report these incidents to us. The BHS encourages horse owners and farmers to be vigilant in checking their fields and hedgerows and report any incidents involving sky lanterns through our new app “Horse i” or on our website.”

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The British Horse Society (BHS) is urging people to “think twice” before releasing sky lanterns during the festive period – as owners are encouraged to be vigilant in checking their fields.

In a collaboration with the National Farmers Union (NFU), the organisation has asked people to spare a thought for horses and livestock as they plan their Christmas and new year celebrations. The NFU has had a long-running campaign calling on councils to ban the release of sky lanterns and to date more than 160 have banned their release on council-owned land, including all councils in Wales.

“While the decorative lanterns may look pretty floating across the night sky, they can cause horrific injuries to animals, or even death, when they come back down to earth,” said a BHS spokesman. “The wire used in sky lanterns can cause serious internal or external injuries if a horse encounters one in their field or even ingests it.

“As prey animals, horses can be frightened by sky lanterns looming above them. With no way of controlling where they travel or land, sky lanterns also pose a fire risk to buildings, stables and barns. The environmental harm of these lanterns can also be devastating to the UK’s green spaces.

“The BHS encourages horse owners and farmers to be vigilant in checking their fields and hedgerows.”

NFU figures show around 200,000 sky lanterns are sold and released each year. The BHS has received 21 reports of incidents involving sky lanterns since 2011 but the spokesman said only one in 10 incidents are reported.

“Tragically, three of these reports were horse fatalities and six involved horse injuries,” said the BHS spokesman.

Article continued below…

“With no national UK legislation regulating sky lanterns, the NFU are focusing their lobbying efforts at local councils, encouraging them to implement a ban on council-owned land,” said the spokesman.

BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox said sky lanterns and fireworks may be enjoyable for some, but they can cause “considerable trauma” or distress to horses.

“We would urge anyone planning on setting them off during the festive period to consider the effect it may have on local animals and the potential fire risk to stables or outbuildings,” he said.

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The public are being urged not to let off fireworks or sky lanterns when taking part in the weekly “clap for carers” campaign.

Emergency services and horse owners are among those who have raised concerns about fireworks being let off on Thursday evenings at 8pm. The weekly campaign was started to show appreciation for key workers and NHS staff and volunteers helping through the Covid-19 pandemic.

An event rider based in Bedfordshire told H&H how her horses, who were turned out at the time, have been startled by fireworks being set off.

“No one was injured this time but it only takes one horse to be frightened and run through a fence, then you could be dealing with an injury ­– or a broken leg. Who knows what could happen?,” said the rider.

“If someone gets trampled and needs an ambulance because of it, you’re defeating the purpose.”

The rider added many NHS staff and key workers own horses themselves.

“The last thing they want to do is come home after a shift and find their horse has injured itself because someone has let off fireworks,” she said.

“Everybody wants to show support for the NHS because they’re doing a fantastic job – but there are better ways of showing it.”

Fire services and police forces have used social media to urge the public to stick to clapping.

“Can we please remind you to not let fireworks off. Please continue to support #clapforcarers, the NHS and key workers by not setting them off,” said Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Services.

“Resources are needed to support our colleagues on the front line in combatting Covid-19.”

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Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We know everyone wants to show their appreciation for key workers, especially NHS at this time, but please don’t use sky laterns or fireworks, which can be dangerous or upsetting for people, property, and animals.

“Why not hang up some rainbow banners instead?”

St Albans Police, of Hertfordshire Constabulary, was among those to remind the public that fireworks and sky lanterns can cause fires where they land, harming property and wildlife.

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A rider who found a burned sky lantern on her electric fence is asking how many incidents need to occur before something is done.

Jessica Crosthwaite and her partner Luke arrived at their livery yard in Barepot, Cumbria, to turn out her geldings; part-bred Friesian Lewis and Welsh section A Flash, on 26 April.

“As we led Lewis and Flash to the gate I could see something yellow lying on the electric fence beside where the power and energiser is,” Jessica told H&H.

“I picked it up and realised it was a sky lantern. It was all black and burned on one side where it had landed.”

Jessica said “thankfully” her electric fence had been turned off overnight but she discovered a second lantern in a neighbouring pen where other liveries’ horses were turned out.

“When I picked up the lanterns I was shocked at the size of them, they’re much bigger than I realised. I can’t imagine how scared horses would be when they’re flying along on fire,” she said.

“The other horses weren’t harmed – and I’m pleased my two were in at the time as Lewis can be such a big baby. They’re flight animals at the end of the day and could have run through fencing.”

Jessica posted about the incident on social media and said she has had a lot of support from other owners.

“The other liveries shared my post and were just as annoyed about it as I was. Sky lanterns might look nice and people might want to set them off for a special occasion but they just don’t seem to think what then happens to them. What goes up must come down,” she said.

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“I hope this might make more people aware of what can happen. It’s not just horses, it’s farmers’ fields and livestock too.”

Jessica said there are too many “horror stories” of sky lanterns injuring animals.

“That’s why it’s so important to try to make people understand that they’re a danger. I don’t know how many incidents need to happen before a ban is put in place. I hope eventually we will see one.”

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Following a campaign encouraging the public to release sky lanterns in support of the NHS, and a young filly being serious injured after being spooked by a hellium balloon, support for an outright ban on the release of similar items has been growing...

Calls have been made for balloon and sky lantern releases to be banned outright, after a “misguided” campaign and a serious equine injury.

The RSPCA and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) are among those that have spoken against Night Sky Lanterns’ campaign for people to buy and release Union Flag lanterns in support of the NHS, with money from sales going to support the service.

The company insists its lanterns are safe, eco-friendly, biodegradable and recyclable, made without wire, metal parts or asbestos, using fireproof paper and an “innovative” wick made of cloth, which “ensures that after burning.

But the RSPCA, while appreciating the fact people want to support the NHS, told H&H sky lanterns “pose a serious danger to horses, farm animals and wildlife… through ingestion, entanglement and entrapment, or simply the sight of a lit lantern in the sky can be terrifying for them and cause them to bolt and harm themselves”.

In Wales, lantern releases are banned on all council-owned land, and 83 of 343 English councils have full bans.

“Now more than ever we’re urging all councils in England to pass this ban,” said the RSPCA spokesman, adding that more than 8,000 people have emailed councils through its website as part of its #EndSkyLitter action.

The lantern campaign came in the same week Esme Humpston’s nine-month-old filly Won More! sustained a horrific chest injury when, spooked by a helium balloon that had blown into her field, she tried to jump a post and rail fence in panic.

“It was a horrific thing to happen,” the filly’s owner Esme Humpston told H&H, adding that the filly will need months of box rest and treatment.

“If this is the damage a balloon can do, can you imagine if it had been a lantern?” she said.

“I know it was a freak accident but people need to be aware; they often don’t think that what goes up has to come down.

“The ironic thing is that it probably belonged to a little girl who loves ponies; a pretty unicorn balloon that nearly killed my own unicorn.”

Rosemary Lunn, a rider who is involved in the diving industry and who has been campaigning for balloon and lantern releases to be banned, has started a Change.org petition to the government.

She told H&H she has started petitions on the government website before, but that these have been dismissed, while a Change petition can run indefinitely.

“Who honestly thinks it’s sensible to put a fire in the sky and let it set off?” she said.

“It’s so annoying people think it’s ok, and don’t think about the consequences. Sky lanterns look pretty but as soon as they’re out of sight, they’re out of mind, the same with balloons, not realising they’re going to burn a horse or choke a cow, or kill a turtle somewhere.

“We’ve asked people to stop doing it, councils have banned it on their land, but you can do it if you take a step off [their land]. We’ve been nice and people have ignored it, now it’s time it was law.”

Asked about a ban, environment minister Rebecca Pow said: “We all want to do our bit to show our appreciation for the NHS and frontline workers, but please stay safe and consider one of the many other ways of showing support.

“Sky lanterns pose a danger to our precious environment and wildlife, and can place a greater strain on our frontline services and key workers at this challenging time.”

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The owner of a filly who sustained a horrific wound after a helium balloon became wrapped round her neck wants to raise awareness of the damage such balloons can cause.

Nine-month-old Won More! was grazing quietly in the field where she had spent all last winter when the unicorn balloon blew over the hedge on Monday (13 April).

It became wrapped round her neck and flapped, panicking the youngster, who tried to jump out of the field – and staked herself on the post and rail fence.

“It was a horrific thing to happen,” the filly’s owner Esme Humpston told H&H.

“One of the people at the stud she’s been staying at saw it happen and it was all so quick – when they’re panicking like that, they just run blindly.”

Warning, graphic picture

The filly, “Wonsie”, underwent three hours of emergency vet treatment as the hole, in the right side of her chest, was stitched and a drain fitted. She is likely to need daily veterinary care in the immediate future, as well as three to six months’ box rest and physio treatment.

“The vet, from Hampden, was super but he said ‘I’m very sorry, you’re going to get an eye-watering bill’, and I said my eyes were watering anyway; I just want her to be ok.

“The vet said it was very serious, and when a vet says that, you know you’re in trouble; if it had been on the other side of her chest, she would probably have died.”

Esme wants to raise awareness of the damage balloons – and sky lanterns – can do, referring also to a recent campaign to release lanterns to support the NHS.

“If this is the damage a balloon can do, can you imagine if it had been a lantern?” she said.

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“I know it was a freak accident but people need to be aware; they often don’t think that what goes up has to come down.

“The ironic thing is that it probably belonged to a little girl who loves ponies; a pretty unicorn balloon that nearly killed my own unicorn.”

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A company selling sky lanterns in a “misguided” attempt to support the NHS has said it will not stop its campaign despite widespread concerns – insisting the products are safe.

Night Sky Lanterns is selling the £6 Union Flag products, stating that “all together, we will be releasing Union Jack sky lanterns from gardens and driveways of houses across the UK, every Sunday night, until this unprecedented situation has been overcome”.

The website states that 100% of money raised from the lanterns’ sale will be “donated to support UK National Health Service to fight Covid-19 and help to tackle this pandemic with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)”.

A spokesman for the RSPCA told H&H it is “wonderful that people are looking for ways to show their support for the NHS staff and other key workers at this challenging time”.

But she added: “While sky lanterns might look pretty in the sky, they pose a serious danger to horses, farm animals and wildlife. Sadly, many people are unaware of the potentially deadly consequences the release of sky lanterns can have for animals — they can suffer through ingestion, entanglement and entrapment, or simply the sight of a lit lantern in the sky can be terrifying for them and cause them to bolt and harm themselves.

“We know many people are already aware of the dangers sky lanterns pose to animals, and we hope others will instead choose to show their support and gratitude to key workers in other ways such as clapping from their homes, placing decorated signs in their windows, donating whatever they can to worthy causes, and of course, staying safely at home where possible.”

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) described the campaign as “misguided”.

“All emergency services are currently under increased pressure owing to Covid-19,” the council said in a statement. “NFCC believes the suggestion that people should set off highly flammable lanterns – at a time when wildfires are likely to be on the increase due to the weather conditions – should be highly discouraged.

“NFCC does not advocate the use of sky lanterns and we do not believe they should be used under any circumstances.”

Council chair Roy Wilsher added that the NFCC is urging people to look for other ways to show their support to the NHS.

“NFCC does not advocate the use of sky lanterns and we do not believe they should be used under any circumstances,” he said.

“All emergency services are currently under unprecedented pressure and I am concerned this type of activity could not only put additional pressure on the fire service, but further strain on the NHS.

“If a sky lantern causes a fire, it could mean firefighters spending valuable time dealing with what could be a complex and large-scale incident. Time that could be spent supporting vulnerable people in the community, as part of the fire service’s response to Covid-19.”

The owner of Night Sky Lanterns said there were no plans to stop selling the Union Flag products.

The company states that the lanterns are eco-friendly, biodegradable and recyclable, made without wire, metal parts or asbestos, using fireproof paper and an “innovative” wick made of cloth, which “ensures that after burning the combustible, it will crumble in air before the lanterns start its descending”.

The owner told H&H the products are safe, and should not be compared to cheaper lanterns that include wire and asbestos, which can cause issues.

He added that the company has been on contact with the government to call for minimum standards for sky lanterns, and that cheaper versions’ prices may reflect their inferior quality and safety.

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Young mare badly injured when sky lantern ‘lands on her tail’

The owner is calling for a ban on the lanterns after the horse was found with a singed tail and

“We’ve had lots of messages and we’re very upset by them,” he said. “We’ve been trying to eliminate all concerns for the sake of everyone including farmers, one of whom is my father.

“They’re as safe as a candle; how safe is a candle, or a car? You wouldn’t ban all cars because some people think it’s right to drink-drive, and it’s the same with sky lanterns.”

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As there is no national legislation in place to control the release of sky lanterns and balloons, the Countryside Alliance says it is up to local authorities to ‘take the lead’

A ban on releasing sky lanterns and balloons by two councils has been described as “encouraging” — as it is hoped more will follow suit.

Lincolnshire district councils West Lindsey and South Kesteven voted to ban the release of sky lanterns and balloons on sites they own or operate, at meetings held on 20 and 21 January respectively.

A spokesman for the RSPCA told H&H the charity “warmly welcomes” the decision.

“For some time the RSPCA has been calling for an end to the release of this ‘sky litter’. It’s encouraging to see a growing number of councils, currently around 80 in England, banning their use and we would like to see others follow suit,” she said.

“Deflated or fragments of balloons can be mistaken for food and can cause a slow death by blocking digestive or respiratory tracts, and the attached strings can strangle. Even balloons classified as degradable are unsafe, as they can take weeks to break down so still pose a risk.”

The spokesman added that sky lanterns are especially dangerous when they land.

“Animals can become entangled and die, or can ingest them resulting in sharp parts tearing and puncturing an animal’s throat or stomach causing internal bleeding. Sky lanterns also cause fires, which destroy habitats and set animal housing, feed and bedding alight,” she said.

West Lindsey District Council leader councillor Giles McNeill told H&H he was contacted by residents about the issue of sky lanterns, as West Lindsey is a rural district.

“I suggested we ban the release of sky lanterns and balloons and include information about the dangers as part our public awareness campaign,” he said. “I recognised there is lots of potential for harm to animals and land and felt as a council, we should do our bit to safeguard the environment and animal welfare. I was pleased to be able to put forward this motion.”

Councillor Peter Moseley, cabinet member for commercial and operations at South Kesteven District Council, told H&H sky lanterns have a detrimental impact on the environment, livestock and wildlife.

“These lanterns are released, go where the wind takes them, and then come down. It is impossible to control where they land.” he said. “As a predominantly rural district there may be greater risks here than in more urban areas.”

Countryside Alliance head of policy Sarah Lee told H&H as there is no national legislation in place to control the release of sky lanterns and balloons, it is up to local authorities to “take the lead”.

“We welcome the move by both councils,” she said. “Sky lanterns, though not intentionally menacing, can cause serious problems. They are threat to animal welfare, farmers and are a major fire risk. We believe the case against releasing sky lanterns outweighs any benefit they could bring.”

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The Countryside Alliance (CA) has renewed its call for tougher control over the use of sky lanterns following the devastating fire at a German zoo.

Investigators believe a sky lantern was the likely cause of the fire at Krefeld Zoo on 1 January, in which more than 30 animals died.

Sky lanterns have been behind horrific damage and injuries to horses, animals, wildlife and farms in the UK — both by igniting fires and the damage they cause when ingested by animals.

The CA is among the organisations, including the NFU, British Horse Society and RSPCA, which have long raised concerns about the real dangers sky lanterns pose and lobbied for more restrictions on their being released.

A number of local authorities have taken steps to ban their release on public land, including Wales, where it is banned to release sky lanterns on any council-owned land.

“While sky lanterns are used to create a spectacle in the sky, they are also a serious danger to the countryside, livestock and wildlife,” said Sarah Lee, head of policy at the CA.

“The horrendous news of the zoo fire in Germany, should remind us all of the very real threat they pose.

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“Drifting for miles they are a menace for farmers and landowners who frequently report sheep, cattle and horses being injured or even dying from eating the wire metal frames of the lanterns or being spooked by them, on top of the fire hazard they pose.

“Not only that, they are also a serious source of litter in the countryside. We urge people to think twice before letting them off and to consider the impact of them after they have left their hands.

“If people cannot act responsibly, then firmer action is needed from the government, which could well result in a ban.”

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A reminder has been issued on the dangers of sky lanterns as farmers harvest and continue to bale hay and straw.

A farmer in Aberdeenshire this week found a lantern on top of a row of straw waiting to be baled and within feet of a field of barley yet to be harvested. No harm was done but, he said: “The outcome could have been very different and very costly”, citing the risks to both animals and property.

A British Horse Society (BHS) spokesman said “Sky lanterns are a particular cause of concern for horse owners, as there is simply no way of controlling where they land, and they have the potential to injure or kill equines, as well as posing a significant risk to buildings.

“Our advice is to be vigilant, and examine fields and hedgerows as part of daily field management checks. We would ask all horse owners to report any incidents involving sky lanterns, however long ago, to the BHS at www.horseaccidents.org.uk.”

Since 2011 the BHS has received 20 reports from horse owners about incidents involving sky lanterns which include three equine fatalities and six injures.

“Horse owners can play a vital role in helping us to build an accurate picture of the problems sky lanterns cause,” said the spokesman.

NFU Scotland president Andrew McCormick told H&H: “Across the UK, there have been many reports now of fires started by lanterns and harm to the health of livestock when lanterns have landed in farmers’ fields and been eaten.

“There is a further risk to stock when grass is cut and ensiled for winter feed, and the wire is chopped up and subsequently contained in hay or silage.”

More than 60 local authorities in England and Wales and 14 in Scotland have introduced a ban on sky lanterns being released on their property.

NFU president Minette Batters said: “The NFU has heard from plenty of farmers about the devastating damage sky lanterns have caused to buildings and fields on their farm and the gruesome injuries they can cause to livestock and other animals.

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“Simply put, all of these lanterns must land somewhere and while they may look pretty in the sky, they also become unnecessary litter across our beautiful countryside.

“We have already seen numerous councils ban sky lanterns, who have rightly recognised the danger they pose, and I would encourage the remaining local authorities to follow the good examples set across the country.”

NFU Scotland said there is “still work to be done“ and greater awareness needed of the risks involved in letting off sky lanterns and helium balloons and their impact on farmland and livestock.

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A sky lantern festival has been cancelled following public outcry.

The Lights Festival was due to take place at Buxton Raceway in Derbyshire — less than 30 miles from the wildfires on Saddleworth Moor.

Matthew Watson, a promoter at Buxton Raceway, announced the cancellation on Facebook last night (5 July).

“In view of the current moorland fires in Derbyshire, Lancashire and Staffordshire I thought it highly appropriate to seek advice regarding the staging of the lantern festival scheduled for 28th July,” he said.

“Taking the advice from the local fire [and] police departments alongside our own concerns I have taken the stance to cancel the event.”

More than 9,600 people had signed a petition to cancel the event, which involved a mass release of lanterns.

The Peak District National Park, RSPCA, Countryside Alliance and MP Ruth George were among those calling for it to be cancelled.

“Delighted to hear that Buxton Raceway has cancelled the Buxton LightsFest on the advice of local fire & police — and their own concerns given the current moorland fires. Thank you!” said Ms George in a statement on her website today (6 July).

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The Peak District National Park has also welcomed the news.

Sarah Fowler, chief executive of the Peak District National Park said: “We welcome the decision by Buxton Raceway to cancel the Manchester/Birmingham Lights Fest at Buxton on the doorstep of the Peak District National Park, which would have put our valuable landscapes, wildlife and farming livelihoods at risk.

“I share the public’s frustration that the organisers did not consider the impacts of sky lanterns before planning this event so close to the UK’s first national park, and not least in light of recent wildfire incidents.

“Our view remains that the use of sky lanterns should be formally recognised as littering, and therefore subject to the same laws.

“I would like to thank the public, Ruth George and Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service for joining us in support of stopping this completely avoidable risk to our national park.”

The event appears to have disappeared from Facebook, but the company’s website remains open for ticket sales for this event.

The organisers of the event have not yet responded to H&H’s requests for comment.

In this week’s magazine, out on 5 July, don’t miss our bumper show guide issue, with complete show listings for 2018 plus features on keeping horses sound on hard ground, the best show venues in Britain and much more.

In this week’s H&H interview, we talk to international event rider Izzy Taylor and check out our new feature ‘Fix it’ — Laura Tomlinson on improving a horse’s self-carriage. Read reports from across the disciplines over the weekend, including dressage action from Sheepgate, showjumping from Royal Highland and more.

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*UPDATE* The event has now been cancelled

An MP has added her voice to calls to cancel a sky lantern festival due to “extremely hazardous” current conditions.

Ruth George, Labour MP for High Peak in Derbyshire, has called on organisers of the Lights Festival at Buxton Raceway to pull the plug on the event.

The US-based company organises lantern festivals across the States, Canada, the UK and Ireland.

With no rain for weeks, the countryside is tinder-dry and firefighers across the country have been tackling grass fires, the most high-profile of which is less than 30 miles away on Saddleworth Moor.

Ms George has written to the organisers asking them to cancel “in the light of extremely hazardous conditions”.

Sky lanterns have caused numerous serious injuries to horses and other livestock, either through burns or by animals ingesting lantern parts.

This week, H&H reported on a racehorse who suffered a serious leg injury after a sky lantern is believed to have hit her.

A sky lantern festival, organised by the same company, that was due to take place at Belvoir Castle earlier this year, but was cancelled following public outcry.

Meanwhile, BBC Radio One banned the release of sky lanterns and balloons at its Big Weekend in May.

The Peak District National Park and Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) are among the other organisations calling for the cancellation of the Lights Festival. A change.org petition against the festival has also received more than 9,600 signatures.

“We would like to see the Lights Festival stopped,” said a statement from the Peak District National Park.

“We do not support the release of sky lanterns due to the potential impacts on wildlife and livestock, however our primary concern is now the risk of fire that is increased with the release of thousands of lanterns so close to the Peak District National Park boundary.

“Although the lanterns are claimed to be biodegradable and with a short burn period, there is no further detail provided on this, and by their very nature, the travel and final location of lanterns remains indiscriminate.

“To release thousands of naked flames into the sky when hundreds of firefighters and others are still battling flames in already tough conditions on the ground seems to go against all common sense.

“Holding an event like this when we are actively asking people to take extra care to avoid fires, not to light barbecues and other precautions, seems to be a completely unnecessary risk.

“In the current extremely dry conditions, it is likely that the remains of lanterns will still be present in the landscape for some time, during a key period where the wildlife breeding season reaches its close and livestock remain in open fields.

“This is an avoidable event that could lead to significant impacts on the wildlife, landscapes and livelihoods of the Peak District National Park.”

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A statement from DFRS said it is involved in speaking with the organisers via the event’s safety advisory group.

“DFRS is part of this group and a number of concerns have been raised about the event going ahead,” said a spokesman for the fire service.

“Every effort is being made to dissuade the event organisers from going ahead with the event.”

A spokesman for the company told The Telegraph: “The rice-paper body of the lantern is fire-resistant to prevent the flame from travelling.

“We have designed the fuel source in such a way that the flame is completely out before the lanterns descend and land.

“Regardless, we always have a fire crew waiting in the landing zone as a precaution.”

H&H has contacted the organisers for comment.

In this week’s magazine, out on 5 July, don’t miss our bumper show guide issue, with complete show listings for 2018 plus features on keeping horses sound on hard ground, the best show venues in Britain and much more.

In this week’s H&H interview, we talk to international event rider Izzy Taylor and check out our new feature ‘Fix it’ — Laura Tomlinson on improving a horse’s self-carriage. Read reports from across the disciplines over the weekend, including dressage action from Sheepgate, showjumping from Royal Highland and more.

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The owner of a point-to-point horse who suffered a serious leg injury after a sky lantern is thought to have hit her has called for a total ban on the lanterns’ sale.

Bastante, a seven-year-old mare owned by the Plantation Prosecco Partnership, was found outside her field on Saturday at about 10.30pm. As it was dark, her injuries were not visible and she was turned back out.

“But the next day, in the light, we saw her,” syndicate member Sarah Sladen told H&H.

“We were wondering what had happened and why, then we saw a strand of plain wire on the fence had broken.

“Then in the field, I found a clump of her hair and a sky lantern a few feet away, and her tail was singed.”

“Putting two and two together”, Sarah believes the lantern had landed on the mare’s tail and although the lanterns fall when they run out of fuel, it must still have been hot enough to burn her.

“It looks like that made her bolt and she’s jumped the fence and caught her leg,” Sarah added. “There are various marks on her but the bad one is the back leg.”

Warning: very graphic image of the wound and the tail.

Sarah’s vet, who is also a member of the syndicate, was soon on the scene and said despite the serious leg injury Bastante had not sustained any tendon damage.

“It will scar but it could have been a lot worse,” Sarah said. “She’s sound, but she’s on box rest so that’s the end of her summer holiday, after only three weeks.”

Sarah would now like to see a total ban on the sale of sky lanterns. Her local authority, Hampshire County Council, has banned their release on its land and does not endorse their use in general.

The NFU and the RSPCA are among the organisations calling for bans on their release, citing the dangers to wildlife and other domesticated animals as well as the fire risk.

“But it should be a total ban; they shouldn’t be sold,” Sarah said.

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“There have been big fires recently in Holyport [Berkshire], Wales and Staffordshire, and it’s just so disrespectful of the countryside to let them off.

“I’m sure it was just one person, thinking ‘what fun, let’s let it off’, but really, they shouldn’t be made in the first place.”

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Revellers have been banned from bringing sky lanterns or balloons to a major festival.

The RSPCA has welcomed the news that BBC Radio One has included lanterns and balloons on its list of prohibited items for its “Biggest Weekend” in Swansea (26-27 May).

Numerous horses, and other animals, have been injured or killed by balloons and lanterns in recent years.

Parts can be eaten by animals, or cause entanglement or entrapment, which can lead to injury, stress or even death.

RSPCA wildlife expert Llewelyn Lowen said the preventative action by BBC Radio One is “really positive news”.

“It was a cause for celebration recently when Wales’ council land became a no-fly zone for dangerous sky lanterns — so it’s great news to see Radio One reminding attendees of the Biggest Weekend not to bring them along,” he said.

“It’s such a big event for the city of Swansea; so it’s a great way to again highlight to the public as to the dangers of sky lanterns.

“These devices can have deadly consequences and a devastating impact for pets, farm and — perhaps most pertinently — wild animals.

“Releasing helium balloons, or deflated balloon litter, also poses a risk to animals, so it’s welcome also that Radio One are urging Biggest Weekend goers not to bring these along either.”

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The RSPCA lobbied for local authorities to ban the release of sky lanterns on council-owned land in Wales.

In February, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council became the 22nd and final Welsh local authority to ban the release of lanterns on its land.

The RSPCA is now campaigning for the Welsh government to introduce a countrywide ban on releasing the objects on private land.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

In this week’s edition, out on 24 May, don’t miss our “cob special”, including how to find the perfect cob, meet champion cob Our Cashel Blue and more.

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Horse owners have joined the RSPCA and the fire service in condemning plans to host a sky lantern festival at an historic Rutland estate.

The event, due to take place at Belvoir Castle on July 7, is the first date to be named in a series of 13 planned to take place across the UK this summer.

Organised by US-based company The Light Fest, the £20 to £40-a-ticket gathering will involve the release of hundreds of controversial lanterns into the night sky.

Opponent and local rider Heather Wright, who keeps her six horses a few minutes’ drive from the castle grounds, said the festival “worries her more than fireworks”.

“While I bet it’s an amazing thing to watch, they shouldn’t do it mid-harvest and they should pick a better location where there is clear land so you can see for sure where they settle,” she said.

“Even the biodegradable lanterns can take years to degrade — if they fall into a farmer’s field and get chopped up into hay, there’s a risk of horses eating them.

“They could set a hayfield or a thatched roof on fire — there are a lot of risks.”

Heather has launched a petition against the festival, which has so far attracted more than 1,200 signatures.

“I wanted to see if people were with us or against us, and it seems a lot of people are with us on this, including the fire service, local farmers and the RSPCA,” Heather added. “I’m hoping we can get it stopped — people have told me they’ve fought successfully against these events in other areas.”

A spokesman for the The Light Fest defended the plans, saying that the lanterns used are “very different from the generic sky lanterns that could be purchased online”.

The company describes them as “extremely safe and 100% biodegradable”, made from rice paper, string and bamboo rings, with no metal elements.

“The rice-paper body of the lantern is fire-resistant to prevent the flame from travelling from the small fuel-source suspended in the middle. We have a very thorough clean-up crew who gather the lanterns within 24 hours of the event and dispose of them properly,” the spokesman said.

“We have designed the fuel source in such a way that the flame is completely out before the lanterns descend and land. Regardless, we always have a fire crew waiting in the landing zone [which is supposed to be within the boundaries of the event] as a precaution.”

But both the fire service and the RSCPA have spoken out against sky lanterns, saying they pose a persistent hazard.

The animal charity has called for a ban on the floating lights, which it said cause “injury, suffering and death to animals.”

“The lanterns are especially dangerous when they come back down to earth,” a spokesman for the RSPCA said. “Animals can also become entangled in fallen lantern frames and suffer from injury and stress struggling to get free, or starve to death.”

Alan Fawkner, risk manager at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said they were aware of the event, and had contacted Belvoir Castle to “discourage the use” of the lanterns.

“We do not support or endorse this event, or any of its type,” he said. “We stand by the national statement from the National Fire Chiefs Council that these floating lanterns not only constitute a fire hazard but also pose a risk to livestock, agriculture, camping activities, thatched properties and hazardous material sites.”

In response to H&H’s request for a comment, a Belvoir Castle spokesman sent a further statement from the festival organisers.

“The Lights Fest takes pride in being a family friendly, no alcohol event,” it read. “We work with local officials to make sure all concerns are addressed concerning safety and the environment.

“We have spent a great deal of time customising our lanterns so we can control and predict distance and reduce any fire danger. In addition, the whole lantern is biodegradable and poses no danger to animals.

“The lantern style that we are bringing to the event at Belvoir Castle will travel approximately 300 to 500 yards and will not leave the venue boundaries. But nonetheless we clean up every lantern and leave the venue in the same condition or better than we found it.”

Last year, organisers of the Shine Up Festival — a mass lantern release event scheduled to be held at the Kent Event Centre — cancelled after more than 2,000 people signed a petition against it.

“The reaction of misinformed residents made it impossible to put the event on,” a Shine Up spokesman told H&H at the time. “We didn’t really have the time or opportunity to talk to people or give them the information we gave the venues.”

British Horse Society (BHS) safety director Alan Hiscox said the BHS has received 21 reports over the past six years from horse owners on incidents involving Chinese lanterns.

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Danger posed to livestock by Chinese lanterns

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“Of these, sadly there have been three horse fatalities and six horses injured,” he added. “There is simply no way of controlling where they go and where they land.

“Our advice to horse owners is to be vigilant. Check fields and hedgerows for these lanterns regularly, as part of daily field management.

“We urge all horse owners to report any incidents or any problems involving Chinese lanterns to the BHS horse accidents website.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

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Sky lanterns have been banned across all public land in Wales.

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (CBC) became the final local authority in Wales to ban the release of sky lanterns on its land yesterday (7 February).

RSPCA Cymru, which has lobbied for the ban, welcomed the news.

“This has been long-fought and tireless campaign,” said RSPCA campaigns assistant Charlie Skinner.

“We’re delighted that Merthyr council’s action means all 22 local authorities across the country have now acted on the real danger posed by sky lanterns.

“These devices can have deadly consequences for pets, farm and wild animals — it’s a huge step forward for animal welfare that these restrictions now exist in all corners of our nation.”

He added the charity is “hugely grateful” to its supporters.

Sky lanterns and balloons pose serious dangers to horses, property, farm animals and wildlife.

H&H has covered a number of incidents of horses’ suffering severe burns or ingesting wire or string from balloons or lanterns.

Members of Merthyr Tydfil CBC unanimously approved a voluntary ban of the release of sky lanterns and balloons from council-owned land and property.

The ban comes into force with immediate effect.

Cllr Howard Barrett, the council’s cabinet member for neighbourhood services, planning and countryside, said he was pleased with the decision.

“The debris of sky lanterns and balloons present a significant risk to animals, crops, moorland, property and the natural environment,” he said.

“One of our environmental wellbeing objectives is that communities protect, enhance and promote our natural environment and countryside and the introduction of this ban most certainly supports this.”

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The RSPCA is now focusing on lobbying the Welsh government to introduce a countrywide ban on releasing the objects on private land.

“With local authorities across Wales making such a clear statement, following this RSPCA campaign, the ball is now back in the Welsh government’s court,” said Mr Skinner.

Jemma Bere, of environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy, added he is “delighted” councils in Wales have recognised the dangers of these objects and introduced bans.

“But there is more work to do if Wales is to become the first airborne litter-free nation in the UK,” he said.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ignorance and a lack of consideration for others are behind the dangers caused by sky lanterns, a horse owner believes.

Caroline James and her fellow liveries at a yard near Caerphilly found the herd of nine horses “huddled together” in one of their three connected fields last Saturday morning (28 October).

They quickly spotted that the land was strewn with brightly-coloured sky lanterns, and one livery realised she had heard a commemorative event was due to take place on Caerphilly Mountain, for a man who had died.

Caroline’s post on the issue, on a local group on Facebook, has received widespread attention.

“One of the people who’d been on the mountain said he was really sorry and hadn’t realised the consequences,” she told H&H.

“It’s ignorance. People don’t understand the consequences of their actions. If you could educate them, it would make a massive difference, but it’s just getting to them.”

Caroline added that letting off balloons or sky lanterns is littering.

“If someone drops rubbish on the floor, it’s an offence,” she said. “So how is it any different to let something off to fly through the air? It’s got to come down at some stage.”

Caroline wants to raise awareness of the issue and intends to write to her local council as a starting point.

“Thankfully none of the horses were hurt, it could have been much worse,” she said.

“You see these terrible pictures [of injured horses]. What we don’t know is what happened in the intervening time; were the horses going round trying to avoid the lanterns?

‘They can be life-threatening’: event horse burned by Chinese lantern

A youngster suffered burns to his face and

‘Nowhere is safe’: Young horse panicked by helium balloon suffers broken neck

The 'special' filly, who was bred to showjump,

Increased calls to ban ‘fatal’ sky lanterns

A charity is urging the public to sign

“Raising people’s awareness [is key]; I don’t know how to do it.”

RSPCA Cymru is campaigning for councils in Wales to ban the release of sky lanterns, and 17 of 22 including Caerphilly County Borough Council have done so, but this only applies to council-owned land, which does not include Caerphilly Mountain.

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Members of the public have been urged to back a campaign to ban “fatal” sky lanterns.

RSPCA Cymru has made progress in its aim to have the lanterns banned across Wales, with 17 of 22 local authorities forbidding their release on their land.

But with five councils left, and Halloween and Bonfire Night approaching, the charity is reiterating warnings of the dangers the lanterns pose to animals.

“The devices – which are lifted into the air via an open flame heat source – can be ingested by animals, or cause entanglement or entrapment,” said an RSPCA Cymru spokesman. “This can lead to wildlife, pets, horses or farm animals suffering injury, stress or even death.

“When ingested the sharp parts of sky lanterns can tear and puncture an animal’s throat or stomach causing internal bleeding.

“Lanterns also pose danger as a fire hazard – destroying habitats and potentially setting animal housing, feed and bedding alight. Marine life is also endangered by lanterns falling into the sea.”

H&H has reported on a number of equine fatalities and injuries caused by sky lanterns, including a young event horse burned in his field, and a thoroughbred who had to be put down after he ingested part of a lantern.

“It’s important people know sky lanterns can be fatal to animals,” said RSPCA Cymru political campaign manager Martin Fidler Jones.

“Ultimately, what goes up, must come down – and when these lanterns return to land, animals are at risk.”

The charity is asking people to sign its petition.

“There’s been considerable progress in recent years, with more and more local authorities backing the RSPCA’s campaign, and implementing local bans on their land,” Mr Fidler Jones added.

Article continues below…

Yard owner warns of sky lantern risk after finding 19 in horses’ fields

Rosie McConnachie-Chapman discovered the lanterns across 20 acres

‘They can be life-threatening’: event horse burned by Chinese lantern

A youngster suffered burns to his face and

‘Nowhere is safe’: Young horse panicked by helium balloon suffers broken neck

The 'special' filly, who was bred to showjump,

“While an outright ban remains the RSPCA’s objective, this is an important step forward, and makes a big statement about the dangers these lanterns pose to animals.

“RSPCA Cymru hopes the remaining five councils in Wales will soon take action; we’re urging members of the public to back our campaign, and tell local authorities they want to keep animals safe by keeping sky lanterns grounded.”

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The devastated owner of a three-year-old bred to showjump who “died in agony” after she was panicked by a spent helium balloon is calling on merrymakers to think before they act.

Espoiro, who was by Ramiro B out of a successful showjumping mare, ran through two gates in “blind panic”, suffering two broken legs and a broken neck.

Owner and breeder Jennifer Birtwistle, of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, said the young mare, who was due to be backed this year, had swallowed the string of a helium balloon.

“The first we knew was when a taxi driver came up the drive saying there had been a terrible accident,” Mrs Birtwistle told H&H.

“She’d been crashing round the field, choking with the string of the balloon down her throat, then she went through the gate and broke her leg.

“Then she went through the other gate, breaking another leg and her neck. She was lying in the driveway, tangled in the gate; she must have been dying in agony and absolute terror, and all we could do was stand there helplessly.

“I’ve been around horses all my life and have never seen anything like this, it was absolute carnage.”

Mrs Birtwistle, a British Showjumping judge who “breeds one special horse a year”, said the fields are checked regularly for any sort of litter.

“These balloons have been landing for a long time,” she said. “This has been so tragic but I’m not surprised.

“I’ve been worried about them for years and on red alert for them all the time but I never in my wildest imagination expected anything as bad as this.”

Mrs Birtwistle said Espoiro had been nicknamed Feisty when she was a foal.

“She was so brave and bold, which was how she’d been bred,” she said. “So anything landing in her field – and the string looked like a piece of hay – she’d have gone and nibbled at it.

“She must have swallowed it, and the balloon was attached.”

Mrs Birtwistle is calling for the practice of letting off balloons to be stopped.

“Litter is litter; if you or I dropped paper in the street, we’d be fined,” she said. “But people don’t understand. I can’t tell you the response I’ve had; people ringing up to say they’d done it and hadn’t realised the consequences.

“It’s a craze; people let them off at weddings or after someone’s death; do they think God is up there reading all the messages? That’s not going to happen.

Related articles:

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• Further calls to ban ‘dangerous’ sky lanterns

“Generally, we’re a nation of animal lovers, of kind people, and I think that includes those who let these balloons off; they just don’t make the connection between that and them coming down somewhere.

“Feisty was bred to be special and she was in that field – with her mother, as it happens – as it was the safest place we could find for her without bringing her into the kitchen.

“But nowhere’s safe from these balloons landing from the air.”

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A young event horse suffered burns to his face and body after a Chinese lantern landed in his field in Essex.

The horse’s owner, Paris Gainsford, is now urging members of the public not to set off these potentially dangerous lanterns.

Homebred four-year-old Danny had been on a three-month holiday turned away with two other youngsters.

Yesterday morning (25 October) when the horses were checked, Danny did not appear at the gate as usual.

Paris found him in the field with burns around his ears and on the side of his face, both stifles and his shoulder.

Paris’ vet was able to come out within half an hour and Danny was put on antibiotics and painkillers.

“It was not a nice thing to find,” Paris told H&H.

“Thankfully it was more cosmetic and he wasn’t seriously injured.

“We don’t know if the lantern got caught round his head and then went on to his body.

“There were a couple of bits of the fabric stuck to his fur and some oily residue left on his coat.”

Paris said the Irish/Oldenburg gelding is recovering well and has been

“the perfect patient”.

“Our plan is to start eventing next year, we did a bit of training this year and he was turned away to grow and mature — it was a bit of a sharp end to his holiday,” she added.

Ms Gainsford now wants to make sure as many people as possible are aware of the risks the lanterns pose.

Related articles:

• Yard owner warns of sky lantern risk after finding 19 in horses’ fields
• Sky lantern ban imposed by Welsh council
• Further calls to ban ‘dangerous’ sky lanterns

“The more people who are aware the better,” she said.

“People don’t realise how far they travel and it’s not just horses they can harm – cattle and houses are also at risk — they can be life-threatening.

“We’re so lucky he didn’t have a rug on because that could have set fire.”

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An owner of a livery yard in Kent is warning others of the risks of sky lanterns after finding 19 on her property.

Rosie McConnachie-Chapman discovered 19 paper lanterns across 20 acres of her land in Tatsfield near Westerham on Sunday morning (9 August).

She said the horses were distressed when she checked on them that morning.

“My clients horses, along with my own, were visibly shaken and nervous,” Ms McConnachie-Chapman told H&H.

“One [horse] had run blindly through the fencing which caused some damage. Luckily it didn’t injure itself.

“I am incredibly thankful that our outbuildings and stables escaped harm.”

She added that the trees surrounding the field could have easily been set alight by the lanterns.

“I am angry this has happened, but what I want more than anything is to make everyone aware of the consequences of using these lanterns.

“We have survived what I would consider a very lucky escape but the next person may not be so lucky.”

Last month (5 July) H&H reported that a ban on sky lanterns had been issued by a twelfth Welsh council.

Ceredigion County Council is the latest local authority in Wales to ban the lanterns on land it controls.

As well as being a fire risk, the lanterns cause problems for horses and other wildlife as the thin wire can cause severe internal damage.

H&H has reported on several deaths in the past few years of horses that ingested the wire after the lanterns landed in fields.

RSPCA Cymru welcomed the ban and is urging other councils to do the same.

Earlier this year the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) also made calls to ban sky lanterns (19 February).

The NFU launched a letter-writing campaign urging the public to contact their local authorities to introduce a voluntary ban on the release of sky lanterns.

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A ban on sky lanterns has been issued by a 12th Welsh council.

Ceredigion County Council has become the latest local authority in Wales to ban the lanterns, also known as Chinese lanterns, on land it controls.

RSPCA Cymru has welcomed the news and is urging other councils to do the same.

The lanterns can harm wildlife, livestock and other animals by causing injuries that lead to suffering and death.

As well as being a fire risk, the lanterns cause problems for horses and other wildlife as the thin wire can cause severe internal damage.

Ceredigon’s decision means that the majority of local authorities in Wales – 12 out of 22 – have imposed the ban.

The charity promotes the use of alternatives, such as stationary candles or nightlights, static lanterns and outdoor lights.

Martin Fidler Jones, RSPCA Cymru’s political campaigns manager, said they have been “delighted” by the public response to halt their use.

He said: “They may look pretty — but they’re also pretty dangerous.

“Sadly, many people forget that, if they release a lantern, they have no control over where it lands, or the damage it can do.”

In October 2013 the Welsh Government wrote to local authorities encouraging them to introduce a voluntary ban.

Earlier this year, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) launched a letter writing campaign that called for people to write to their local authority and urge them to ban the lanterns.

The NFU is also continuing to call for an outright ban on the objects.

Cllr Alun Williams, cabinet member for transport, waste and carbon management at Ceredigion County Council, said they have listened to calls from organisations like the RSPCA and farming unions.

“We hope other landowners will follow our lead and the risk they pose can then be eradicated from the county,” he said.

“It’s understood that these lanterns are launched by people only wanting to have fun or create a memorable occasion.

“But there is clear evidence that they can cause real damage to livestock and wildlife and, most of all, the fire risk from them is very high, especially in the summer.”

A total of 24 councils in England have also imposed a ban.

In 2013, H&H reported a blaze caused by a Chinese lantern at a recycling plant in Smethwick left 11 firefighters injured and caused £6m of damage.

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Ahead of Chinese New Year (19 February), equine and farming organisations have been making further calls to ban sky lanterns.

The wire frames of lanterns can be dangerous to animals, with H&H reporting on several deaths in the past few years of horses that ingested them after the lanterns landed in fields.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has now launched a letter-writing campaign urging the public to contact their local authorities to introduce a voluntary ban on the release of sky lanterns.

The NFU has put together guidance and a letter template that can be signed and sent to county, district, borough or town councils, encouraging them to vote on the issue.

Essex county council, Staffordshire county council, Cardiff council, Warwickshire county council, Chesham town council, Waveney district council and Norfolk county council have already banned them.

“Sky lanterns can cause fires to crops, grassland on moors and bales of hay and straw, which can lead to a loss of buildings,” said NFU’s Minette Batters.

“It is encouraging that some local authorities are now starting to see sense and have banned the release of lanterns on their land. However, we would like to see many more follow suit. The NFU continues to call for an outright ban, and we will continue to lobby government until action is taken,” she added.

Sheila Hardy from the British Horse Society told H&H the organisation “strongly supports” the NFU’s plan.

“Lanterns can be extremely frightening to horses and can lead to them causing damage to themselves or their handlers,” she added.

“But without hard facts from those who have been involved, it is impossible for us to help make a difference. If anyone has experienced a problem we would urge them to report it to us at horseaccidents.org.uk.”

Ref: H&H 18 February, 2015

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A terrible fire in the West Midlands caused by a Chinese lantern has prompted further demands from the British Horse Society (BHS) and Country Land and Business Association (CLA) for them to be banned.

Late last month (30 June) a blaze at a recycling plant in Smethwick left 11 firefighters injured and caused £6m of damage.

“This fire has drawn attention to the long-held concerns that the rural community have about their use,” said a BHS spokesman. “The risk of causing fires is not the only danger — the parts can be ingested by horses causing serious internal injuries and even death.”

The BHS says it has seen four incidents this year. The worst the organisation has seen recently was Patrick (pictured below), a 14.1hh Connemara, who had to have 7 feet of his colon removed. During surgery, vets found he had eaten a very thin wire that had lacerated his intestines.

“People don’t realise the danger that these lanterns pose,” said Patrick’s owner Chris Blackburn.

Last summer Sally-Ann Spence urged fellow riders to sign an epetition to ban sky lanterns after her 12-year-old thoroughbred had to be put down. He suffered extensive internal damage after ingesting a wire from a lantern.

Around a quarter of a million Chinese lanterns are sold each year in the UK. The CLA says the government must recognise the dangers.

“We have been calling for action to outlaw them for the past four years. The concept of launching a flaming bonfire into the night sky with absolutely no idea of where it will land has always seemed reckless and bizarre,” said the CLA’s John Mortimer.

But a Defra spokesperson told H&H that according to research “any widespread risk of injury and death to livestock and impact on the environment is low.”

However, they confirmed Defra is “working to improve safety” by raising awareness of the risks of sky lanterns and responsible use — by launching a leaflet and working with National Trust and the British Hospitality Association. It is also asking councils to look at licensing of mass releases of lanterns.

• To report an incident visit: www.horseaccidents.org.uk

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (11 July, 2013 issue)

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With Olympic fever about to engulf the country, the British Horse Society (BHS) is warning riders to be alert to the dangers of people celebrating by setting off Chinese lanterns.

The society says it has received “terrible reports” of the “catastrophic” effects of the lanterns when they land and are ingested by horses.

“We have been made aware of many ‘novelty’ lanterns, including a timely Union flag design,” said a spokesman.

The BHS is urging horse owners to check fields and hedgerows for lanterns and spent fireworks, which may be set off during the Games.

Sally-Ann Spence of Ashbury, Wilts, contacted H&H after her 12-year-old thoroughbred had to be euthanased. He had become a “walking skeleton” whose immune system had gone into “overdrive”, she said.

A post-mortem examination revealed he had suffered extensive internal damage due to a length of wire, identified as part of a sky lantern.

“No animal deserves to suffer as he had done,” she said.

Ms Spence is urging readers to sign an e-petition calling for the devices to be banned.

“Remember what was a beautiful light in the sky can quickly become an unnoticed killer in your hay,” she added.

The e-petition, on the Government’s website, was started by a natural history cameraman, Mark Vinall.

“These non-essential, air-born menaces are affecting wildlife, farm animals and domestic pets,” he said.

Mr Vinall added that the UK Coastguard has had an increase in the number of call-outs to false alarms – because the decorative lanterns are mistaken for distress flares.

If the e-petition – which closes on 22 August – gathers 100,000 signatures it will be discussed in Parliament.

But to date, only 4,183 people have signed.

To show your support sign at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/13051

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (26 July 2012)

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The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has called for revellers celebrating the Chinese New Year today (Monday January 23) to not let off Chinese lanterns.

The NFU has in the past called for an outright ban on the candle-powered lanterns, which are already outlawed in Spain and parts of Germany.

Their concern is that when the lanterns return to the ground they can be eaten by grazing animals or start fires.

NFU rural surveyor Louise Staples said: “Our members know how these lanterns can harm or kill farm animals and they can also cause fires to thatch roofs and bales of hay and straw.

“We hope everyone has a wonderful Chinese New Year but urge people to think twice about setting lanterns off.”

BBC wildlife camera man Mark Vinall is also calling for a ban on the sale of Chinese lanterns in the UK.

Mark has launched an e-petition on the Government’s website – https://submissions.epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/13051 .

• Would you be insured if a chinese lantern set your buildings on fire or led to your horse being injured? For all your insurance needs, contact KBIS

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A horse owner in Worcestershire has added her voice to growing concern among the farming community over the dangers of Chinese lanterns.

Sue Healey from Wribbenhall told H&H her horses were spooked for days after the last lot of lanterns she found in her field.

“I have picked five lots of lanterns out of my field in the past couple of months — they are very dangerous,” she said.

Chinese lanterns are traditionally used in Asia for celebrations. Made from paper with thin wire cross-stays, they are released like a hot air balloon.

Earlier this summer, the National Farmers Union (NFU) called for a complete ban. They have already been banned in Australia, Malta and parts of Germany.

NFU spokesman Mike Thomas said: “The metal wires can be cut up during silage making and ingested by cows. This punctures their stomach lining, which has caused a large number of cow fatalities. They can also start crop fires.”

The British Horse Society (BHS) has received a number of complaints, but director of safety Mark Weston said the society had not been “inundated”.

During Prime Minister’s Question Time in early September, deputy prime minister Nick Clegg ruled out a ban, saying: “We have been looking at ways to reduce the risks posed by these lanterns.”

The NFU is also asking more lantern manufacturers to make biodegradable lanterns without wire.

“If we can’t get them banned we need to educate people,” added Mr Thomas.

ITV also stopped showing a promotional clip after a request from the NFU.

Mr Weston added: “We would ask anyone who’s considering lanterns to be aware of the potential consequences to livestock.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (21 October ’10)

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