We asked you to share your stories and photos of rubbish left by walkers and campers in the Lake District – and it sparked an outpouring of anger.
We were sent a message today, June 1, to say Lake District National Park rangers were going to clear up the mess today.
We asked you to send us your photos of any litter you had seen while out and about and Robert Wayman sent us photos of his litter-picking in Coniston.
He said: “I went to Coniston after the coronation bank holiday weekend with my canoe and collected a canoe’s worth of litter from the shore around the south end of the lake.
“It was a mixture of food packaging, beer bottles and even human waste. The area is always bad after a bank holiday but this was even worse than usual.”
Ronny got in touch with us to say that he was at Red Tarn, just below Helvellyn recently and saw some people surrounded by their litter.
He said: “Rubbish and bottles left everywhere including in the tarn. I had a word with the people and they got round to tidying it all up but I’m sure they wouldn’t have done if I hadn’t have said….It’s disgusting.”
Sandra Lee emailed to say: “Twice this year already I have seen rubbish and camping equipment left in Buttermere and Wasdale. Also witnessed a full campsite set-up right on the edge of Wastwater where it looked like they thought they could camp overnight.
“This is unacceptable and its becoming more and more in our beautiful Lake District.
“I am hoping all of this may be tourists to the area as any locals should know better. However that said I’ve noticed new signs going up at Wasdale for no camping or overnight stays. More needs done to educate/fine people.”
Chris Booth told us: “I’ve been going to the lakes all my life and can honestly say I’m falling out of love with the lakes due to people disrespecting this beautiful environment.
“I recently came down Easedale Tarn walking by Sourmilk Gill. We were passed by a four lads carrying cases of lager, barbecue and shopping in a plastic carrier bag.
“One lad, exhausted, asked how far it was to the tarn. My fear was that they wouldn’t be bringing what they brought, back down with them.”
What are your experiences of rubbish in the Lake District? Email your photos and videos to [email protected]
