More than 720 people report Lake District litter and fly camping

The annual survey, run by landscape charity Friends of the Lake District, aims to record the scale of littering, fly-camping and anti-social behaviour in the national park.

It is open to both visitors and residents, and the results will be used to press for more 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.

So far, more than 720 people have responded to the survey, and the charity is encouraging more input before it closes at the end of the summer holidays.

Last year, it received 785 responses, which revealed an epidemic of litter, fly-camping and thoughtless parking.

Food left in abandoned tent on the Helm, near Kendal (Image: Submitted)

Jeremy Smith, head of campaigns and engagement for Friends of the Lake District, said: "The indication from the survey results we’ve received so far this year are that, while things may not have got significantly better, the tougher enforcement measures are having some impact.

"A minority of people come to the Lake District not to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the landscape, but to cut down trees, start dangerous fires, set up illegal campsites and leave litter behind.

"It’s important that efforts to tackle this behaviour are sustained throughout the rest of the summer and beyond."

Nearly half of last year’s respondents said they believed the situation had become "significantly worse" compared to the previous year.

Since then, new Public Space Protection Orders have been introduced in parts of the Lake District, and enforcement actions have been reported in the media.

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.

Remains of a fire near Buckstones Jump near Rydal. (Image: Giles Jones)

The survey will remain open until after the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Submissions can be made at www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/litter-survey.

In addition to the survey, Friends of the Lake District has launched a fundraising campaign to support its ongoing work in tackling litter and anti-social behaviour.

More information about the appeal is available at www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/lakes-litter-appeal.