Friends of the Lake District’s Great Cumbrian Litter Pick took place on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August. Over 40 separate litter picks took place across the Lake District and Cumbria involving communities, individuals, businesses and organisations with ages ranging from nine to people in their seventies.
Between them they covered a distance of 254km (nearly 159 miles) and collected almost 250 bags of rubbish.
Ruth Kirk, Landscape Engagement Officer for Friends of the Lake District and organiser of the event said: “It was a weekend of mixed emotions. It was inspiring to see so many people who genuinely care about our landscapes, giving up their free time to help clear up the litter that has become an increasing problem since lockdown eased. On the other hand, it was tremendously dispiriting to come across huge piles of discarded camping equipment, pots, pans, food wrapping, unused food and disposable barbecues left behind by people.
“We can fully understand why people want to come to the Lake District; it’s a stunning place, why wouldn’t you? But we would plead with people please, not to camp around the lakes or on the islands, but to use only official campsites and to please, please take all of your rubbish home with you.
“There are no people paid to clear up the mess left behind. It is all done by volunteers or staff who are being diverted away from other jobs. Our message is to please visit and enjoy the Lake District and Cumbria responsibly and above all, leave no trace of your visit.”
Friends of the Lake District would like to thank The Lake District National Park for partnering on the event and European Outdoor Conservation Association, Smartwool Socks and HF Holidays for sponsoring The Great Cumbrian Litter Pick.
To find out about future litter picking events sign up to the Friends of the Lake District newsletter at www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk
