Lake District littering 'creating no-go areas'

People feel littering in the Lake District is worsening, with parts of it becoming a "no-go area for those wanting to enjoy its natural beauty", a charity's survey has found.

Two thirds (68%) of those who responded to the Friends of the Lake District's online questionnaire said the situation was becoming worse, with 23% saying it was about the same as 2025.

Respondents highlighted a catalogue of problems, including littering - which 96% had experienced - some form of illegal or inconsiderate parking (84%), and fly-camping (73%).

The Lake District National Park Authority has been taking measures to combat the problem, including a "leave no trace" branded bin bag campaign over the summer.

The landscape charity said the findings reflected growing concerns about how the Lake District was used, respected and cared for.

Respondents - 75% of whom were Cumbrian residents - mentioned avoiding particular areas at particular times because they anticipated encountering anti-social behaviour or abuse.

One comment read: "The tourism industry has created an uncontrollable beast."

Another said: "These days I just have to walk away to protect my sanity - I hate living here in the summer months."

As with a previous survey in 2025, the most affected areas were Ullswater, Derwentwater, Buttermere and in and around Keswick.

A range of suggestions for practical measures to help bring the situation under control were proposed, including more signage and changes to the working hours of those responsible for patrolling and responding to incidents.

The problems were also cited as evidence a visitor tax should be introduced, not only to pay for more rangers to respond directly but also under a logic that people are more likely to value what they have to pay for.

Jeremy Smith, head of campaigns and engagement at Friends of the Lake District, said: "The number of people camping wherever they like and leaving everything behind is turning parts of the Lake District into a no-go area for those wanting to enjoy its natural beauty and tranquillity.

"There has been a change in how seriously these issues are taken but without this yet translating into substantive change on the ground."

He added: "We need to redouble efforts to address these issues, but we should also see this as a chance to have a broader conversation about the future of tourism in Cumbria and how it can work better for communities, visitors and the landscape alike."

In a bit to combat littering and fly camping, the Lake District National Park Authority, along with the National Trust, Forestry England and Westmorland & Furness Council, have been running a "leave no trace" campaign, handing out branded bin liners with a QR code linking to a database of official campsites.

It is part of the Lake District Kind initiative, which encourages visitors to travel sustainably, respect the environment and stay safe in the fells.

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