By Bethan Finighan Charlie Fenton
Locals at the Lake District beauty spot which inspired poet William Wordsworth say illegal “fly-campers” are leaving the area strewn with abandoned gear and human excrement. Fly campers, which differ from wild campers who follow park rules, are said to be leaving behind tents and camping gear , as well as scorching large patches of grass with disposable BBQs around Ullswater Lake. During the summer, resistance say up to 20 illicit camps are set up around Cumbria’s Ullswater Lake and Glencoyne Bay every weekend. Locals have also reported that campers have been chopping down living trees for firewood, playing music loudly through portable speakers, smoking cannabis and harming wildlife. In one case, a resident found a discarded 12-inch zombie knife. Residents living near the national park say the last two months has seen an “epidemic of flying camping” with a sharp rise in illegal camps as the UK experienced an unusually warm spring and two recent heatwaves . Wild camping is banned around Lake Ullswater, with visitors offered formal camping at seven National Trust sites near the water. It is generally legal in the Lake District if key rules are followed, according to the national park’s website. Clive Rowlandson, 54, who has lived in the area his whole life, says they are an “eyesore”. He said: “The community is heartbroken – there is constant antisocial behaviour, littering, and just general disregard for the area. It is common to find litter on the shoreline and around two or three discarded camp sites left for locals to clean up “The fly campers numbers have doubled over the past year due to the warm and still weather and they bring nothing to the community other than rubbish. They are staying in such a beautiful location yet actually ruining other people’s experience – a lot of genuine people visit who are interested in the area and its history and don’t want to see the place a mess. “It is a shame – they are spoiling it for those who do respect the area.” The keen walker says he and many other locals are “worried” the problem is going to get worse. He said residents are “frustrated” that the council and National Trust aren’t challenging the unwelcome visitors. He said: “We don’t want those people who have already camped in the area telling their friends to come and visit as there no one is challenging them, taking their names, or asking them to move on. “If there were strong boundaries in place then the campers would think twice before making their decision.” The Lake District said they “continue to encourage” people to camp in the most responsible way by staying at a recognised campsite. There are 141 dedicated campsites in the area where visitors can pitch a tent without breaking any rules, including seven around Ullswater Lake. Award-winning filmmaker Terry Abraham who lives in the Eden Valley, also says the issue with such beauty spots is getting “out of hand”. Terry said: “It is a term that has come around fairly recently to distinguish rule breakers from genuine wild campers, high up on the fells who respect nature. “Sadly, I have seen a negative generational shift in under 30s when it comes to respecting nature. I’ve seen with my own eyes people rip out ‘no camping’ signs and use them as firewood – it is truly shocking. “It has got to the point where I no longer want to go for a walk or cycle about Ullswater or the fells as it makes my blood boil and breaks my heart.” He added: “People hear of an outdated 拢50 fine and just roll their eyes – but change can be enforced through education too.” Wild camping rules include not lighting any fires, staying for only one night, keeping groups very small, and camping as unobtrusively as possible with inconspicuous tents which blend in. It also says landowners have the “legal right” to order you to “break camp and move on”. National Trust’s Lead Ranger, Stephen Dowson, said: “We share the frustrations of local people and those being impacted by fly camping and litter. “We want to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors and to get out and enjoy the countryside, but to respect the landscape and wildlife who make these places their home. “Fly camping is illegal and camping of any kind is not permitted on National Trust land unless it’s within an official campsite. Not only does this anti-social behaviour spoil places for other visitors, it also damages habitats and causes harm to wildlife. “Clearing up after fly-campers also takes up a significant amount of our ranger teams’ time in the Lake District, taking them away from vital nature conservation work. “We’re very grateful to the local people who are going out of their way to clear up after the campers.” Simon Hill, visitor management lead for LDNPA, said: “We encourage everyone who is looking forward to enjoying the Lake District to treat it with respect and be Lake District Kind. “While most people respect the landscape, we are saddened to see instances of littering, fly camping, and fires being lit. This isn’t just a blemish on the beautiful scenery 鈥 it can pose a real threat to safety, habitat, and wildlife. “Please remember that the Lake District isn’t just a beautiful holiday location, its landscape is home to thousands and is relied upon for livelihoods. The National Park is for the enjoyment of all, and by visiting responsibly everyone can appreciate its inspirational scenery peacefully.” A spokesperson for Cumbria Police said: “We regularly work with partner agencies including local councils and Lake District National Park Authority as part of engagement and enforcement of issues around illegal campaign and antisocial behaviour in such areas, as well as inconsiderate parking where highways are obstructed. “We will continue to work with partners and would encourage people to report illegal behaviour so that action can be taken.” Poet William Wordsworth is said to have been inspired to write ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’ while walking near Ullswater Lake.