FLYCAMPING: A growing threat to Cumbria’s natural beauty
FLYCAMPING: A growing threat to Cumbria’s natural beauty.
by Danielle Murphy
For centuries, Cumbria has been celebrated for its rugged beauty — a landscape immortalised in poetry, paintings, and photographs. Artists and visitors alike have long admired the serene majesty of the Lake District.
But in recent years, a surge in footfall has brought with it a far darker presence: vandalism, arson, littering, and antisocial behaviour. With authorities slow to act, the burden of protecting these cherished places has increasingly fallen on the shoulders of local residents.
Wild camping has always existed in Cumbria, especially around the Lake District. Done responsibly, it can be a peaceful and sustainable way to enjoy nature. But today, many so-called “campers” leave behind not only waste — but destruction. Abandoned tents, camping gear, furniture, broken glass, disposable barbecues, and even human waste now scar the land. What was once an occasional nuisance has become a full-blown health and safety crisis.
“The impact of this behaviour stretches far beyond aesthetics.”
In Keswick, a group known as the ‘Binfluencers’ has taken matters into their own hands. Annie, the founder, explains: “We just got tired of seeing the mess left week after week. It began as impromptu litter picks and now we go out every week. There are five core members who go regularly, but many others join in when they can.”
Similarly, in Ullswater, Fi Kennedy and a small group of volunteers focus on the Glenridding area. Their weekly cleanups have uncovered staggering amounts of rubbish, including hazardous materials. Fi shares: “I’ve been clearing the area for over a year now. I’ve written letters, attended meetings, spoken to officials — and still, nothing has been done. My dog even sliced his paw on broken glass by the lake. It’s heartbreaking. This problem isn’t being taken seriously enough.”
The impact of this behaviour stretches far beyond aesthetics. Wildlife suffers as swans, ducks, and fish ingest or become entangled in waste. Grazing animals are at risk of choking or dying from bottle caps and plastic. Irresponsible campers destroy trees, scorch the ground with unsafe fire pits, and leave the landscape damaged and degraded.
Fi adds: “I have an eight-month-old granddaughter I love taking out with me. But I worry about what this place will be like when she’s grown. If things keep going the way they are, this won’t be the stunning landscape it has been for hundreds of years.”
If you’re visiting the Lake District or surrounding areas, please remember to leave no trace. This means:
- Take all rubbish home with you
- Don’t use nature as a toilet
- Don’t light fires or barbecues that damage the ground
- Don’t break or disturb trees and hedges
The Lake District is one of the most beautiful and beloved places in the UK – let’s keep it that way.
Respect the land. Respect the locals. Respect the future.
Sign their petition, or follow the binfluencers on social media…
Facebook: ‘The Lakes Binfluencers’
TikTok: @keswick.binfluenc
To learn more about what’s happening, follow Cumbria Guide on our social media
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