Survey takes peoples views of fly camping in Lake District

A major survey organised by the landscape charity Friends of the Lake District has revealed an epidemic of litter, fly-camping and thoughtless parking that blocks access and clogs roads across the National Park.

A total of 785 people responded to the online survey which ran over the summer months. The majority of those who responded (82%) are permanent residents of Cumbria. 97% of respondents said they had encountered litter, 80% reported wildfires or barbecues and 77% fly-camping. 34% experienced an aggressive reaction when challenging those responsible – and it is likely that many others choose not to do so out of fear for their safety.

Jeremy Smith, Head of Campaigns and Engagement at Friends of the Lake District, said: "these findings paint a very worrying picture. There is a visual impact from piles of rubbish around our lake shores and there are risks to the health of wildlife as well as people.

"Most troubling of all, this situation is making local residents afraid to walk their favourite walks and unable to enjoy the countryside around where they live."

A sizeable majority – 65% – of respondents judge that the situation is worse this year than last. The principal affected areas are Ullswater and Derwentwater, with high levels of anti-social behaviour also being reported in Buttermere, Borrowdale and Ennerdale, suggesting that these sorts of tourism impacts are no longer confined to longstanding hotspots around Windermere.