A campaigner who has spent a year documenting debris left by wild campers and others has spoken of her exasperation at scenes she recorded near Ullswater at the weekend.
Fi Kennedy, of Penrith, is a keen walker but says her regular excursions to the area have been blighted by scenes she has described as ‘disgusting’.
“I started taking pictures to show what’s really going on and this weekend really was bad,” Fi told Cumbria Crack.
Her pictures show abandoned campsites, barbecues left to smoulder, human waste and even an overturned car.
While police and National Park Authority rangers posted on social media that they were patrolling the area Fi says the incidents occurred outside normal work hours.
“I’ve spent a year highlighting where and when these kinds of incidents are taking place yet it’s only recently that the police and crime commissioner has moved to take action which I welcome,” Fi said.
Cumbria police were aware of the incident involved the damaged car and confirmed officers were aware of a one-vehicle collision on the A592 and that the driver was taken to hospital with injuries and was arranging recovery of the vehicle.
On the wider issue of wild camping, the force is urging visitors to be considerate to residents and the environment.
On Saturday police will join Westmorland and Furness Council, the Lake District National Park Authority, Cumbria Fire and Rescue and the area’s rivers trust in holding an event where residents can voice their concerns.
“The event, Keeping Ullswater Beautiful is being held at Jenkins Field, Glenridding and aims to address concerns around fly camping, bonfires and littering,” Inspector Mo Bibby, of Eden Neighbourhood Policing Team, said. ”I would encourage residents to come along and share their views.”
For clean-up campaigners, action can’t come soon enough.
“I just want people to respect the area – my worry is that the national park is spending too much time thinking about the future and not enough tackling the kind of damage that’s done there today,” Fi said.
Simon Hill, visitor management lead at Lake District National Park Authority, said: “We are deeply frustrated by the incidents of fly camping and littering in certain areas of the national park.
“We’re working with partner organisations including Cumbria police, Cumberland Council, Westmorland and Furness Council and landowners like the National Trust in order to manage our responses to reports of incidents of this type.
“During August partners are conducting increased partnership patrols around hot spots where littering and fly camping is occurring.
” Representatives from Cumbria police, Lake District National Park Authority and National Trust are engaging with people to educate and raise awareness of the importance of responsible visiting.
“We also welcome the introduction of PSPOs by Cumberland Council this year, which address anti-social behaviour.
“LDNPA encourages all visitors to be respectful of our unique World Heritage Site and leave no trace when visiting the Lake District.”
How can I leave no trace in the Lake District?
Here’s our guide to how you can leave no trace in the Lake District
What is the difference between wild camping and illegal camping in the Lake District?
And there is a difference – everything you need to know is here
What is a Public Space Protection Order?
The Public Space Protection Order is in place for three years in the Lake District.
It was introduced in November – so this summer is the first year it will be put to the test.
