Cumbria Police Warn Visitors Over Fly-Camping, Littering & Barbecues in Lakes
Cumbria Police and local partners are warning visitors to respect the Lake District. As concerns continue over fly-camping, littering, illegal fires and disposable barbecues.
The warning comes ahead of the busy summer season. When popular lakeside and fellside areas often see a sharp rise in visitors.
Most people enjoy the Lake District responsibly. But a small number of visitors continue to leave behind tents, rubbish, food waste, alcohol containers, disposable barbecues and fire damage.
Recent patrols have focused on well-known visitor hotspots. Including areas around Ullswater, Blea Tarn, Monk Coniston, Red Nab, Grasmere, Ambleside, Bowness and Windermere.
Officers and council staff have been speaking with residents and visitors, while also taking enforcement action where rules have been broken.
Warning Over Fly-Camping
Fly-camping is different from responsible wild camping.
It usually refers to people camping in unsuitable or unauthorised places. Often leaving mess, damage and waste behind. This can include camping near lakeshores, in car parks, on roadside verges or on land where permission has not been given.
Problems linked to fly-camping can include:
- abandoned tents and camping equipment
- food waste and alcohol cans
- disposable barbecues left behind
- scorched grass and damaged ground
- human waste
- noise and anti-social behaviour
- blocked access for residents, landowners and emergency services
Lake District National Park Authority has previously said that wild camping is not technically allowed anywhere in the Lake District without landowner permission. Camping in car parks or on roadside verges is also not allowed.
Barbecues and Fires Cause Damage
Police and local authorities are also warning people not to light fires or barbecues in places where they are not allowed.
Disposable barbecues can leave burn marks on grass, damage fragile habitats and create a fire risk. In dry weather, even a small flame can spread quickly.
Campfires can cause similar problems. They can damage ground that may take a long time to recover, and they can also put wildlife, farmland and nearby woodland at risk.
Visitors are being urged to follow “leave no trace” advice. That means taking everything home, including rubbish, food packaging, broken chairs, camping gear and barbecue remains.
Fines Issued After Ullswater Incident
Westmorland and Furness Council recently issued fines after a group was found causing anti-social behaviour and environmental damage while camping on the shores of Ullswater.
The group had ignored signs stating: “No camping or overnight stays. No fires. No litter.”
The site was found in poor condition, with litter around tents, partially burnt waste, alcohol cans, tent pegs and debris near the lakeshore. The council said some of the waste posed a risk of pollution.
Those responsible were later issued with £100 Fixed Penalty Notices for breaching a Public Space Protection Order.
Patrols Across Visitor Hotspots
Public Space Protection Orders are now being used in some areas to help tackle anti-social behaviour and environmental damage.
These orders allow enforcement action where people ignore restrictions. Breaches can lead to fines of up to £100.
The council said patrols have taken place during both daytime and evening hours. Officers have also helped clear litter where offenders could not be identified.
How People Can Report Problems
Residents and visitors are being asked to report incidents where they see fly-camping, littering, illegal fires or environmental damage.
People are advised to record details safely, such as:
- the location
- the time and date
- vehicle registration numbers, where possible
- details of any damage or rubbish left behind
Westmorland and Furness Council says reports relating to Public Space Protection Orders can be sent to its dedicated PSPO email address. In emergencies, people should call 999.
Message to Visitors
The message from police and partners is clear: visitors are welcome, but they must respect the Lake District.
People are being urged to plan ahead, use proper campsites, avoid lighting fires or barbecues, take litter home and leave the landscape as they found it.
The Lake District attracts millions of visitors every year. Keeping it clean and safe depends on everyone doing their part.
For local communities, the warning is also about fairness. Residents should not be left clearing up after people who visit for a night and leave damage behind.
