WALKERS on the Malvern Hills are being advised to leave the BBQ at home as the weekend's hot weather approaches.

The Malvern Hills Trust is warning BBQs can cause wildfires which can quickly become out of control.

Recent dry weather has increased the risk of wildfires on the Malvern Hills and Commons that can be started from a single spark from a BBQ or camp fire.

Beck Baker, community and conservation officer said: "We’re pleased to see people enjoying the warmer weather and longer evenings but please do this safely by leaving the BBQ at home.

"The majority of wildfires are started by people either accidentally or deliberately and BBQ's pose a high risk.

"Please leave the BBQ for the garden and take a picnic to the Hills instead."

BBQs are not permitted on the hills and commons due to the risk they pose for potentially starting wildfires.

Disposable BBQs are particularly problematic as they can be windblown and, if placed directly on the ground, can damage the important grassland vegetation underneath.

A wildfire on the hills and commons could put the public, grazing livestock and nearby residential properties at risk as well as damaging the nationally important and scarce species and habitats of this special landscape.

Each spring and summer BBQs are extinguished and confiscated by Trust staff but unfortunately some result in fire damage to larger areas of land.

If you do see a fire, please call 999 immediately.

Early detection can prevent a fire becoming much more dangerous, serious, and uncontrollable wildfire.