Graffiti found on a Lake District fell has been left there for over a year.
The graffiti is believed to have been spotted and reported by locals over a year ago – after it was found half way up a fell on the way to Blea Tarn from the Eskdale Valley.
While locals said they were told at the time the graffiti would be removed, a horrified dog walker spotted the vandalism untouched over the weekend.
Dinah Masey, who lives in the area, said she was out walking her three dogs when she spotted the graffiti last Friday.
She said: “It’s totally beyond me why anybody thinks it’s acceptable in such a stunning spot.
“I was out walking my three border collies as I do twice a day and hasn’t done this walk for a while and was so looking forward to it, only for it to be spoiled by the graffiti early on in the climb.
“There is a number on the tag of 24, so it’s very possible that it’s been there a while, but if so, I’m a tad shocked nothing has been done.
“I usually access the tarn from giggle alley, so it’s the first time I’ve seen it.”
Dinah said she was also concerned that the graffiti was visible from the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway track – meaning it spoils the view for both locals and visitors enjoying the train ride.
She added: “The big thing for me is apart from me seeing it, everybody on the ratty train has to see it and I’d hate it to start a trend.
“I have been in touch with the National Trust and they have assured me that they are going to tackle the problem, but I would have tried to tackle it myself if I’d got no answer.”
Initially Dinah said she wanted to help clean the graffiti or do so herself, but the National Trust, who own the land, have since said they will send a team to clean it.
A National Trust spokesman said: “We are saddened by this act of vandalism at Eskdale and our team is working to remove the graffiti by mid-May.
“Our conservation efforts in the Eskdale Valley and other parts of the Lake District are to provide benefits for nature and to the general public.
“As a conservation charity, the cost and time it will take to rectify this damage will unfortunately impact on our already limited resources.”
While organisations can and do work collaboratively across the national park, it is the responsibility of the landowners to deal with issues on their land, but they can request support from other teams.
Simon Hill, visitor management lead for Lake District National Park Authority, said: “We’re disappointed to see this graffiti in the Eskdale Valley, which is on the trail to Blea Tarn.
“Defacing the natural landscape spoils the beautiful scenery of our unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“If you’re enjoying the Lake District during this spate of sunny weather, please be respectful to the landscape, locals and wildlife.”
Love the Lake District? Read more about how to leave no trace here.
