Outdoor anti-social behaviour in a Lake District valley is being targeted with an action plan of tougher prevention measures.
Wasdale has experienced ‘chronic’ illegal parking, littering, fly-camping, barbecues and fires in recent weeks, Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister said, as peak season in the national park gets underway.
He added that organisations are now asking people: Come to Wasdale, respect Wasdale, or don’t come.
The action plan to target the outdoor anti-social behaviour is being taken forward by Wasdale Action Group, Cumberland Council, Lake District National Park, National Trust Lake District, Cumbria Police and others.
Measures include:
- New double yellow lines being trialled from the entry cattle grids to Wasdale Head
- More than 100 boulders placed to stop vehicles damaging protected land
- More enforcement patrols on busy weekends and during holidays
- Action to push for stronger parking penalties where fines are treated by some as ‘worth it’
- Use of Public Space Protection Order powers against fires, barbecues, fly-camping and littering where enforcement thresholds are met
- New signage, visitor information and stronger ‘leave no trace’ messaging
- Litter picking support for the local community and work with groups like the Wasdale Wombles
- A funded shuttle bus service for 2026, with £3 all-day travel and children travelling free
Mr MacAlister said: “Wasdale is one of the most beautiful places in the country. It is not a dumping ground, a free campsite, or somewhere people can treat with total disregard because they fancy a day out.
“That behaviour is selfish, dangerous and completely unacceptable. It damages a precious landscape, puts pressure on local residents and businesses, and leaves others to clean up the mess.
“Park legally. Take your litter home. Do not light BBQs or fires. Do not camp where you should not. Use the shuttle bus where possible. And understand that this valley is home to people, farms, wildlife and a landscape that deserves proper protection.
“I’ll keep working with local partners to make sure the action plan is delivered and that the voice of the Wasdale community is heard loud and clear.”
Mr MacAlister added that organisations will meet at the end of the season to review measures and come up with a more robust plan for next year.
