Pretty Dangerous - Chinese Lanterns Can Harm Wildlife

Chinese lanterns released into the air at outdoor events may look pretty, but they are endangering wildlife, warns Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT).

It’s not just a summer problem where the lanterns are launched at weddings, festivals and BBQs etc, but all throughout the year, at Halloween, bonfire night and countless other celebrations.  Whatever the occasion, SWT is urging the public not to use them.

The lanterns, which are made of paper, wire and bamboo and contain a lit candle, can float – uncontrolled - for miles before crash-landing in fields, hedges and trees as well as on buildings. 

The sharp parts can cause serious injury or death if eaten by animals, whether they’re mistaken for, or hidden amongst, natural food or inadvertently made into silage and fed to livestock.  Animals can also get tangled up in the lanterns’ parts, causing them to develop skin infections or preventing them from feeding, both of which can prove fatal.

James Adler, SWT Grazing Officer, said: “We are very worried about the real threat that these lanterns pose to livestock. On one stock check alone we found 8 lanterns in a field where our cows were feeding. Please think about the consequences of releasing these lanterns; whilst they may momentarily light up your party they create a long term, potentially fatal threat to wildlife and farm animals.”

And at this time of year, when vegetation is very dry after sustained warm and dry weather, the lanterns pose a real fire threat, and can set light to vulnerable heathlands which are home to many rare plant and animal species.

Charlotte Dooley, SWT Arson Prevention Officer, said: “After the recent spate of devastating heathland fires across Surrey this summer, we are concerned about the risk of fire caused by Chinese lanterns and would urge the public not to use them, especially during these hot, dry periods.”