Lake District volunteers reveal the worst things they've cleaned up
Litter, nappies on the floor and dog waste hanging from trees are just some of the things a group of volunteers in Keswick have discovered.
TL;DR
- Volunteers in the Lake District, 'The Keswick Binfluencers', are cleaning up shocking amounts of litter, including dog waste, human excrement, and abandoned camping gear.
- The group was founded by Annie Garforth to address the growing problem of fly-camping and littering in beauty spots.
- Issues include dog poo bags left hanging from trees, human waste left on the ground, and abandoned items like garden chairs used as toilets.
- Ms. Garforth believes the problem stems from a lack of education rather than malice, advocating for the Countryside Code to be taught in schools.
- The Lake District faces challenges with over-tourism, infrastructure limitations, and insufficient funding for policing and waste management.
- Local authorities like Keswick Town Council and Cumberland Council are supporting the volunteers with campaigns, patrols, and enforcement actions.
- Despite a reported decrease in overall visitor numbers, fly-camping and day visitors are perceived to have increased, exacerbated by social media trends.
- Officials emphasize the importance of responsible tourism, respecting local communities and wildlife, and leaving no trace.
- Cumbria's narrow rural roads are also affected by irresponsible parking, hindering emergency and public transport vehicles.