Sky Lanterns ban
From September 2022, we decided to ban the release of sky lanterns over concerns about the danger they pose to our environment and local community.
Councillor Wilkinson brought forward the motion at a full council meeting to ban the use of lanterns at events on council-owned or managed land.
The motion highlighted how the products have had a significant environmental impact, resulting in fires, litter pollution and illness or death of livestock.
Lead member for Environment at North Devon Council, Councillor Netti Pearson said: "North Devon is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and we have a duty as a district council to protect it.
"These floating flames are highly dangerous – they can start wildfires, they can injure animals, they can destroy food growing in fields and they can set homes and buildings alight. Taking action now and banning the use of sky lanterns on council land is incredibly important for our environment and community."
The decision to ban the lanterns was backed unanimously by council.
The council's event guidance has been updated advising that the use of sky lanterns on council land during events is prohibited.
NFU campaign for total ban of sky lanterns