JERSEY Water is reminding the public to respect its land amid a “concerning” increase in the prohibited use of disposable barbecues at Val de la Mare reservoir.
The utility company has also issued a plea asking for a warning sign – telling visitors not to light barbecues and fires at the site – to be returned, after discovering that it had “been removed”.
In a statement, Jersey Water said staff would be closely patrolling Val de la Mare with charity Jersey Trees for Life, explaining that the remains of “several” fires had been found at the reservoir in recent weeks.
Jersey Water’s asset manager Mark Bowden stressed that the lighting of fires and barbecues at the site was not allowed “and with good reason”.
He said: “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.
“There are designated spots around the Island for barbecuing so please use those and not our land.”
Mr Bowden added that Islanders were “absolutely welcome” to use and enjoy the reservoir, but reiterated the need for visitors to “respect our land by adhering to a few important guidelines”.
John Michel from Jersey Trees for Life – which looks after the botanical collection of trees at Val de la Mare – 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, and we urge all visitors to keep this in mind and remain respectful.”
