Farmer's warning over Chinese lanterns

ADAM GRETTON

27 July 2010

A south Norfolk dairy farmer has backed a campaign to ban Chinese lanterns from the skies following concerns about public and animal safety.

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) called on the government last month to follow the lead of other countries and outlaw the use of the flying paper lanterns over fears about the impact on livestock and the environment.

Partygoers have been urged to be aware of the dangers after the owners of a farm near Wymondham picked up the remains of dozens of lanterns in one day from their land.

Carrie Smith and Jonathan Burridge, of Manor Farm, Fundenhall, have written to South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon calling him to back a ban on the popular outdoor beacons.

Concerns have been raised that the lanterns with candles inside, which can float for several miles, represent a fire risk during the current warm and dry conditions.

The couple, who run a farm with more than 200 dairy cows, also fear that the wire supports from the lanterns could be ingested by their livestock.

Miss Smith said the problem had escalated over the last six months and the debris of 30 lamps was recovered from the farm on Sunday. The wire from the lanterns could prove deadly to livestock if it was chopped up during silage and hay making and eaten by livestock.

Miss Smith urged people to think twice before lighting and releasing their sky lights, which are littering the countryside.

“I am not a party pooper, but the risks are so immense and the dangers need to be highlighted. Our main concern is if these land in a field or on buildings, especially with the dry weather we are having at the moment.”

“We can not afford for something like this to happen. From an animal welfare point of view, the death of an animal with wire its stomach is awful,” she said.

The NFU had previously called for a voluntary ban on lanterns that use wire in their construction, but have now lobbied the government for a complete ban, such as those imposed in Germany and Australia. The lanterns are commonly used at weddings, birthdays and religious ceremonies.