A survey to find out people’s experience of littering, fly-camping and anti-social behaviour in the Lake District has been launched.
Landscape charity Friends of the Lake District is running the survey.
Last year, the charity received 785 responses to the survey.
The results revealed an epidemic of litter, fly-camping and thoughtless parking that blocks access and clogs roads across the Lake District.
The majority of those who responded (82%) were permanent residents of Cumbria. 97% of respondents said they had encountered litter, 80% reported wild-fires or barbecues and 77% fly-camping.
The lasting effects of illegal camping and leaving rubbish in the landscape aren’t just visual.
Litter and the relics of barbecues and fire pits can kill wildlife and livestock, damage soils, leach into water systems, trigger wildfires and cause health hazards for people too.
Since last year’s survey, there are signs that those responsible for visitor management are giving these issues more attention.
New Public Space Protection Orders have come into force in parts of the national park.
Friends of the Lake District, which runs the annual Great Cumbrian Litter Pick, wants to understand if the commitment to ramp up enforcement is having an effect on the ground.
The findings of this new survey will be used in campaigning for improvements to policy and practice relating to visitor behaviour: more frequent visits to fly-camping hotspots, tougher action on those responsible and better preventive measures.
Jeremy Smith, head of campaigns and engagement for the charity, said: “We know from our survey last year that there is genuine concern and frustration about the scale of littering, inconsiderate parking and fly camping across the Lake District.
“We welcome the fact that these issues are being taken more seriously, but it’s vital that words translate into action and results. As the summer season ramps up again, we’re hoping this survey will shine a spotlight on the problem areas that still exist, while also highlighting where tougher enforcement is making an impact.”
The survey will run from the end of May until after the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The survey is available at www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/litter-survey
