No BBQ's at the Sandstone Crags

Old used BBQ's litter the sandstone crags and woodland

The warm summer days and evenings are bringing out peoples natural instincts to have barbeques in the great outdoors. Did you know that the BMC has a no fires policy at Harrison's Rocks and Stone Farm which effectively bans BBQ's.  Sussex Wildlife Trust at Eridge Rocks, also an area of special scientific interest also have a no fires policy which also covers BBQ's. The other sandstone crags are also not in favour of BBQ's either. 
However Harrison's have a specific fire area located near the car park for people to use safely.

Open flames in wooded areas (where most of the sandstone outcrops are located) would devastate the surrounding woodland and wildlife if a fire was to break out. Hot BBQ's placed on the fragile sandstone rock can burn the thin outer layer crust which has taken millions of years to form. Naked flames are a major hazard in woodland areas.  Portable BBQ's left at the crags are unsightly and litter the area. Quoted from The Countryside Code:  "Litter and leftover food doesn’t just spoil the beauty of the countryside, it can be dangerous to wildlife and farm animals – so take your litter home with you".

If these bans are not enough to stop you from lighting up, then simple respect might do. Would you like smoke from burnt burgers blowing in your direction for you to inhale whilst you are climbing?  The whiff of half cooked sausages (and the extra weight they may bring) surley won't help when you are on the crux of your route?

Also, did you know it takes 2 years for a banana skin to biodegrade? Have a think before you leave your rubbish.....
Apple core - 3 months
Banana skins and orange peel - 2 years
Plastic bag - 10 to 20 years
A plastic bottle - 450 years
Aluminum - 200 - 500 years

Save your BBQ's for your home garden. Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home with you.

Sandstone Code of Practice