Dales plea: Respect beauty, save our parks!

Businesses and community leaders in North Yorkshire's national parks, including the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, are appealing to tourists to visit responsibly during the summer holidays. They are asking visitors to show extra consideration by not littering, parking vehicles appropriately, keeping dogs under control, and refraining from using disposable barbecues, which present a significant fire risk.

These areas face an increased wildfire risk, exacerbated by dry weather. A ban on disposable barbecues is being backed by local councillors, who urge visitors to bring picnics instead. The devastating wildfire last summer on the North York Moors, which burned for over 40 days and destroyed peat that will take centuries to replace, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers. Another recent fire at Chop Gate, thought to be caused by a barbecue, was narrowly averted from becoming a catastrophe, though it still destroyed eight acres of moorland.

Responsible tourism is vital for the economy of the Dales, which relies heavily on visitors. Local residents often take it upon themselves to clear litter left behind by some tourists, which poses a danger to wildlife and livestock. Visitors are reminded that these parks are not only natural attractions but also workplaces and homes, and should be treated with the same respect as one's own home.