The CLA is urging the public not to use sky lanterns to celebrate Halloween and Bonfire Night due to the damage they cause to the countryside.

CLA director North Dorothy Fairburn said: “Put simply, there is no responsible way of using sky lanterns.

“You have no control over where the flame will land which poses a serious risk to homes and businesses in the countryside; they can also kill animals, cause wildfires and damage the environment.

“We want people to enjoy themselves on Bonfire Night and Halloween, but just as they will be taking safety precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19, we want them to also consider the safety of their wider environment – and this means not releasing sky lanterns under any circumstances.”

The CLA has been campaigning for a total ban for a number of years, and will continue to do so for the sake of farming, wildlife, the environment and property owners everywhere.

Sky lanterns remain legal to buy.

Earlier this year, the CLA wrote to Lord Gardiner, the Rural Affairs Minister at Defra calling on the government to ban the use of sky lanterns.

The organisation said it was ludicrous that items which pose such a threat to our countryside and our animals is so readily available.

It continued to say: “Actions speak louder than words and it is time for the Government to recognise the dangers associated with sky lanterns.”

On a local level, the CLA urges councils which have not yet introduced bans to give it some serious consideration, and balance the decision in favour of many people who have to deal with the unintended consequences of releasing sky lanterns and balloons.

Many local authorities have already implemented the ban so far.