Illegal campers causing destruction in Lake District

United Utilities staff have been removing large amounts of litter, including abandoned tents and camping gear, that have been left behind at beauty spots around Thirlmere and Haweswater.

They have also found evidence of potentially dangerous fires and have noticed that young trees have been cut down.

Young trees are being damaged (Image: Supplied)

United Utilities woodland officer Andrew Wright said: "Unfortunately this seems to be a growing trend.

"As well as spoiling the stunning scenery and ruining it for others, it is also threatening the future resilience of woodland areas, including some Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

"To see young trees hacked down by wild campers so they can use them in campfires is heartbreaking.

"As well as creating a significant fire risk, the people doing this are destroying the next generation of trees, the ones that would be around for their children to enjoy.

Litter is being left behind by illegal campers (Image: Supplied)

"They are also leaving their camping equipment and litter behind for somebody else to clean up - we’ve even found the axes that they’ve used to cut down the trees dumped with the rest of their camping gear."

The activity is damaging some Sites of Special Scientific Interest, some of which are still recovering from fires caused by illegal campers in the summer of 2021.

Mr Wright said: "There is a social media craze promoting wild camping and Raven Crag at Thirlmere has become an incredibly popular selfie spot – yet sadly some visitors also leave their litter behind.

"Even though it is a popular spot with visitors, most of whom are responsible, we have found young trees hacked down and evidence of camp fires up there.

"The Lake District is an amazing place to visit, and we want people to come and see how beautiful it is – but we also want them to camp in designated areas and to leave only footprints so others can also enjoy it and nature can thrive."

Litter removed from the beauty spots (Image: Supplied)

Camping, fires, and barbecues are not permitted on United Utilities estates in the Lake District, and fly-tipping is a criminal offence.

United Utilities supports the National Park’s Safer Lakes partnership, which sees local emergency services, landowners, conservation charities, and volunteers work to tackle issues across the area.