As the sun finally starts to make an appearance this summer, The Royal Parks charity is reminding park goers that BBQs are forbidden in the parks.

Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic, but BBQs and any sort of fire lighting are not permitted, the charity says.

The ban reduces the risk of accidental fires caused by falling embers and ash, which can spread quickly across dry grass.

The Royal Parks say: "This poses a danger to staff and other visitors, as well as damaging the environment and landscape, destroying habitats, and killing wildlife."

Visitors are also reminded to take litter home or place it in bins on the way out of the park for the safety of wildlife, as glass bottles increase the risk of a fire. 

During this hot season, the charity emphasises that it is forbidden to swim in any of the lakes and ponds across the parks, other than the public swimming area in the Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park, during opening times.

This is to ensure that the parks remain safe for everyone using them, by preventing the risk of any accidents, and is also to protect the sensitive natural habitats and wildlife in these areas.

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