Lancashire visitors warned as Lake District chiefs crack down on fly camping over the Bank Holiday
Visitors from Lancashire are being warned as national park chiefs vow to crack down on fly-camping as thousands of day-trippers are set to head to the Lake District this Bank Holiday weekend.
Images revealed unlawful camping and littering in the Lake District over the summer, including beer cans, condoms, tents, and chairs abandoned in isolated spots. The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) intercepted fly-campers burning fires on dry grass during the hottest days, risking wildfires.
Steve Tatlock, LDNPA Ranger Team Leader, said that peak visitor season and the upcoming bank holiday weekend have seen rises in fly camping, littering, campfires, and dangerous parking. He emphasised that most visitors respect the area and urged adherence to the countryside code to protect the landscape.
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Wild camping is not permitted without landowner permission, though one-night stays are usually tolerated if campers leave no trace and pitch away from homes, lakes, fields, and woods. Ignoring these rules constitutes fly camping, often leaving rubbish behind. Under Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) guidance, offenders can be fined £100.
Residents express frustration over increasing illegal activity. Hayley Webb, an outdoor instructor near Derwentwater, described fly camping as an epidemic, noting frequent tents and calling for higher fines. Clive Rowlandson, a lifelong Ullswater resident, said illegal campsites are an eyesore, causing damage like scorch marks, faeces, and tree cutting, deterring locals from walking in the area.
Rangers and Cumbria police have addressed vandalism, including graffiti and tree damage. A recent joint operation by local authorities fined a couple for fly camping after environmental damage and a large fire were discovered on dry peat ground.
Scott Cameron of Cumbria Fire & Rescue urged visitors to avoid disposable barbecues and pack picnics. Parking issues persist, with videos showing luxury cars covered in slurry by a farmer fed up with illegal parking and abuse.
Cllr Andrew Jarvis of Westmorland and Furness Council acknowledged most visitors behave responsibly but warned against disruption from illegal parking and antisocial behaviour. Over 30 cars received parking tickets last weekend.
Cumbria Police reminded visitors to park considerately to avoid obstructing emergency services and traffic. Steve Tatlock noted ongoing patrols and education efforts by the National Park Authority and partners to reduce fly camping and irresponsible parking, which harm the landscape and local communities and divert resources from conservation work.