Fines are being issued in a tourist hotspot to crackdown on people leaving litter, human waste and lighting fires in the area. People camping in the Lake District have often left beauty spots in poor condition.
In response, Cumberland Council has issued its first fines using Public Space Protection Orders, reports BBC. Officers have issued two £100 fines in Buttermere where people breached the order. Investigators say they spoke to “numerous individuals to remind them about the importance of being responsible and respectful in our outdoor spaces”.
Wild camping is not permitted in the Lake District without permission from the landowner however, it is normally tolerated as long as people abide by the rules.
The News & Star has put together a guide on camping in the Lake District after the National Trust said it spent around £1,000 repairing a site which was damaged by campers in 2024.
Fly-camping is a term coined regarding people pitching tents wherever they wish and leaving litter behind. It is believed they left mattresses and clothing in Buttermere as well as cut down trees.
Cumberland Council said it was keen to engage with and educate the public around wild camping, but it would now be issuing fixed penalty notices of up to £100 when required.
The Lake District is one of the most popular places to visit in the UK due to its vast natural landscapes.
It is home to lakes, mountains and incredible greenery which makes it a hotspot for people wanting to escape into the wilderness and enjoy a walk or hike.
Some of the best places to see in the Lake District include; Windermere Lake, Ullswater Lake, Scaffel Pike, the Beatrix Potter Trail and the former home of famous poet William Wordsworth.
One person who visited Lake Windermere on Tripadvisor said: “Absolutely beautiful place even in the rain lots to do and very central in the Lake District totally recommend a visit so worth it.”