Coastal Ranger urges public to remember that bonfires and BBQs are forbidden in resort

Cleethorpes’ new Coastal Ranger is urging the public to remember that barbecues and bonfires are not allowed on the beach at Cleethorpes or anywhere along the specially protected coastline.

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is in place to protect the whole of the resort, and especially Cleethorpes Nature Reserve, which extends from the Leisure Centre to The Fitties, and is also part of the King Charles’ series Lincolnshire Coronation Coast National Nature Reserve (LCCNNR).

The PSPO also operates across North East Lincolnshire’s parks, open spaces and council land. It forbids bonfires and barbecues and, if breached, can lead to a fixed penalty of £100. If you fail to pay the fixed penalty, it is likely you will be prosecuted in the magistrates’ court and be fined up to £1,000.

The protection order was introduced to prevent damage to the Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area features and other protected habitats within North East Lincolnshire. It also aims to reduce the risk of wildfires starting in protected habitats, open spaces, croplands and buildings and homes. In addition, debris often left following an open fire can harm and kill certain wildlife. Litter is also a nuisance and would need removing.

Josh Forrester took up his new role as Coastal Ranger last month funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. A large part of this role is to support the NEL Dynamic Understanding of the Natural Environment (DUNE) Project for North East Lincolnshire’s Heritage Place. At the heart of this project is the need to sustainably manage of one of the most important estuaries in Europe, to ensure the conservation of the estuary’s internationally important birds and wildlife.

Josh said that recently a number of barbecues have been reported by members of the public in the dune grassland at The Fitties, causing considerable damage to protected habitat that supports a wide range of species.

“We kindly remind all visitors that lighting barbecues and bonfires on this Site of Special Scientific Interest is strictly prohibited as well as being in breach of the PSPO. These activities not only pose a serious fire risk but also cause lasting damage to fragile dune habitats that support our coastal wildlife.

“Please enjoy our beautiful coastline responsibly – leave nothing but footprints,” he said.