Center Parcs permanently cancels all firework displays in order to protect wildlife

Center Parcs has announced that all of its firework displays will be cancelled in a bid to protect wildlife and surrounding woodlands.

The popular holiday company, which has five resorts across the UK, said in a statement that their decision came as a result of the stress and anxiety fireworks can cause to wildlife, household pets and some of its guests, as well as the many environmental issues they can cause.

The RSPCA states that fireworks – the loud and sudden noises they make, in particular – are a source of fear and distress for many animals.

Each Center Parcs resort is surrounded by over 400 acres of natural woodland, which plays home to a number of animals such as deer, badgers, ducks, hedgehogs, red squirrels and owls.

@canterparksuk / Instagram

The company’s statement reads: “In line with our commitment to protecting our forests and wildlife, we’ve made the decision not to bring back our firework displays at Center Parcs.

“Whilst fireworks are beautiful, they can cause stress and anxiety to wildlife, household pets and some of our guests, and can be damaging to the local environment.

The holiday company went on to state that, as an alternative to their firework displays, they will be ‘lighting up the forest with a brand-new Enchanted Light Trail’ throughout the winter months, which will be available to visit every evening.

This comes after Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Steven Watson claimed he would permanently ban the sale of fireworks if he was ‘given half a chance’.

Kew Li Wen / Unsplash

Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester last week, CC Watson said he has long held the view that ‘it’s only a matter of time before somebody gets killed’, stressing that it simply ‘cannot happen’.

He explained that GMP are working with the fire service, the local authorities and Trading Standards to stop fireworks being sold to young people ‘who shouldn’t have them’, saying: “We’re being really proactive about stopping people and searching people where we have suspicions that they’re going to use these weapons inappropriately.

“Because I’ve taken the view for a long time that it is only a matter of time before somebody gets killed. And that cannot happen.”