Over the past few years the use of Chinese lanterns has increased considerably, but many users are unaware of the risks they cause to the countryside.
Many of these lanterns can end up landing on farm land where they have found to be eaten by farm animals, particularly cattle which can suffer a slow agonising death, as the write can puncture the stomach lining.. Animals and wildlife can also get entangled in the wire. Although not quite as dangerous bamboo framed lanterns can still cause problems for animals, as they can become entangled in them or get injured from the bamboo.
There is also a risk from fire, as the fire has not necessarily extinguished when the lantern lands. They can cause serious fires if they land on hay stacks or fields. A quick search of Google will provide evidence of numerous fires caused by them.
They are also beginning to cause a problem with litter in the countryside, with many landing miles away from the area they were lit, instead landing in the countryside.
Therefore, please think twice. Chinese lanterns may look beautiful in the sky, but they can cause serious risks to animals and farmland. If you are going to use them please ensure they are securely tethered to the ground.
Further reading:
NFU information leaflet
NFU article
BBC News article
Guardian news article
