The National Trust has reported that last week its rangers discovered countless bags of rubbish, camping tents, chairs and other camping equipment left by Buttermere and in the woodlands. No outdoor camping signs were likewise ripped from their posts and big logs were rolled into streams.
A spokesman for the conservation charity described the discovery as heart-breaking, adding: “While we wish to encourage more individuals to enjoy the outdoors, we all have a responsibility to care for the locations we check out. Litter has been an issue for several years, but we have actually seen an increase in the amount of rubbish, human waste and disposed of devices being left in beauty areas like Buttermere. Sadly this suggests National Trust groups and volunteers need to spend more time clearing up when we might be out dealing with crucial conservation work in these areas.”The issue of disposed of rubbish was severe throughout the Covid outbreak when individuals chose to check out the Lake District in their thousands and there were weekly reports of deserted camps and rubbish left lying around the countryside.
The trust spokesman added: “Please assist us keep our national forest healthy and stunning by appreciating our signage and taking litter with you and a big thank you to our dedicated rangers and volunteers who are always there to help tidy up.”
A former British Military Officer, Eddie went on to study History and then Journalism at Sheffield Hallam University. A keen outdoorsman, he has co-written several books on Outdoor Survival and Wild Camping. Now living in Penrith, Ed is a keen fellrunner.
