Nottinghamshire County Council rangers are reminding visitors that barbecues are not allowed at Sherwood Forest Country Park.

The park is part of Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

At the weekend, county council rangers picked up four disposable barbeques in and around the country park, despite advisory signs that people cannot take them onto site.

Paul Cook, Nottinghamshire County Council’s assistant site manager for Sherwood Forest Country Park, said: “We want everyone who comes to visit to enjoy themselves have a picnic and have a wonderful time, but we have to remind people that barbeques cause a hazard and are not allowed on site.

“People who have used these barbecues leave the embers, which can be scolding and are a fire risk to the surrounding area, and therefore a danger to wildlife and plants if a fire breaks out.

“They have also left the grills themselves (which have meat residue which dogs and wildlife love to eat) and which can cause burns if a child or park ranger picks them up soon after they have been discarded – or are simply littering the area if left for good.”

Mr Cook added that none of the four separate barbecue parties had water to douse the hot ashes pack down when they had finished, posing a further risk. There are signs in all of the park’s car parks and children’s play areas, as well as the visitor centre to advise people of the guidance.

Mr Cook said: “Earlier this year, BBC Countryfile magazine named Sherwood Forest as the second best nature reserve in the UK recognising the rich diversity of our wildlife and we need to do all we can to protect and preserve such a wonderful environment which is why we are keen to get the message out now to advise people now.”

Sherwood Forest is celebrating another significant milestone this year as it celebrates the 60th anniversary of receiving SSSI status.

Elsewhere, Sherwood Pines ask visitors to follow the BBQ code on display near all pay and display car parking machines. The Forestry Commission provide BBQ slices at the Information Centre for customers to place there disposable barbeques on and ask all visitors to take care and dispose of them safely.