Farmer Appeals to Public to Stop Balloon Releases

A farmer has appealed to the public to cease performing balloon releases. Yvonne Scales, who operates a small farm situated between Darlington and Northallerton, reported discovering six or seven balloons in her fields over the past year. She cautioned about potentially fatal outcomes for wildlife and livestock, explaining that if a balloon were to become entangled in one of her horses’ winter overcoats, the animal could become startled and suffer serious injury. Darlington Council indicated that no specific legislation prohibits the release of balloons, but it would “always ask people to consider alternatives.” Ms. Scales maintains horses, sheep, and cows on her property. She posted an appeal on a Darlington Facebook group after finding another balloon wrapped around a fence. “Some people do not accept that it’s the wrong thing to do,” she stated, referring to comments from individuals who expressed a desire to mourn in their own way. “That balloon goes up into the sky, it vanishes from your sight, but it does come back down to earth.” Ms. Scales expressed her wish for the Countryside Code, which includes statutory guidance to avoid damaging or disturbing nature, to be taught in schools in nearby towns, such as Darlington. “There is more of a disconnect between countryside and and town and it’s not their fault,” she said. She further questioned, “If you don’t know, how were you supposed to know whether it’s right or wrong?” A council spokesperson commented, “We are aware of the environmental damage that can be caused by balloons and would always ask people to consider alternatives.” They added that the council has never taken any form of action against a balloon release.