Balloons and sky lanterns pose a risk to buildings, dry standing crops, forestry, hay and straw stacks, as well as wildlife habitats. Also, once balloons and sky lanterns have come to the end of their use, they leave behind litter.
They are commonly mistaken for food by wildlife, and the strings used to tether balloons have also been known to cause a danger to animals.
East Cambridgeshire District Council passed a motion at Full Council on 16 July 2020 to:
- ban the release of all types of helium-filled balloons and sky lanterns on property and land owned by the council
- ask all parish and town councils within East Cambridgeshire to pass a similar motion to ban the release of all types of helium-filled balloons and sky lanterns on parish and town council owned land
- engage with local businesses, communities, landowners, schools and individuals encouraging them to sign up to this initiative
We appreciate this activity is sometimes undertaken to commemorate a loved one. Alternative options like planting a tree not only provides a place to reflect, but also gives back to the environment. Visit the RSPCA website for more suggestions.
We welcome all businesses, parish councils, organisations, schools, landowners and individuals to join our charter. We will add you to our list of organisations taking part.