Jersey Water to begin patrols against barbecue use

Jersey Water has warned members of the public against using barbecues on its land

Jersey Water has warned members of the public against using barbecues on its land and said it would begin patrols against the activity.

The island's water company said the remains of several fires had been discovered at Val de la Mare reservoir.

It said it also found signage advising visitors not to light barbecues or fires had been removed from the area and requested its return.

Asset manager Mark Bowden said the lighting of fires posed "devastating implications for flora and fauna".

'Respect our land'

He said: “We absolutely welcome islanders using and enjoying our reservoirs and other public access areas but we do ask that they respect our land by adhering to a few important guidelines.

"Barbecuing and lighting fires is not allowed and with good reason.

"With the hot weather we’ve been experiencing, it poses a real risk of more widespread fire, which would have devastating implications for flora and fauna."

Jersey Water encouraged the public to use "designated spots" around the island instead.

Charred ground

Charity Jersey Trees for Life, which looks after a collection of trees at Val de la Mare said it had found "charred areas of ground and branches" in recent weeks.

John Michel from the charity said: “The fires and barbecues at Val de la Mare are concerning to us, as was the removal of our warning notice.

"Fires can cause serious damage to the environment and wildlife, especially in dry weather."

Both Jersey Water and Jersey Trees for Life will be patrolling Val de la Mare and have requested the return of the missing signage.