Westmorland and Furness Council has issued fines to a group found causing anti-social behaviour and environmental damage whilst camping on the shores of Ullswater.
The enforcement action forms part of a wider programme of proactive patrols led by the council in partnership with Cumbria Police, responding to concerns from residents and landowners about recurring issues at popular visitor sites.
Focusing on areas covered by Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), patrols took place between Friday 27 March and Sunday 12 April. They aimed to promote responsible behaviour and encourage visitors to "love where you visit and leave no trace", while also tackling anti-social behaviour, with breaches of the restrictions carrying fines of up to £100.
The patrols covered locations during both daytime and evening hours, focusing on Lake District National Park Authority and the National Trust sites including Ullswater, Blea Tarn, Monk Coniston and Red Nab, as well as other areas; Grasmere Play Area, Rothay Park, Borrans Park in Ambleside, the Glebe in Bowness, Rayrigg Meadow and Queens Park in Windermere.
Council and police officers engaged with hundreds of residents and visitors across the two-week period, with the vast majority found to be enjoying the area responsibly by disposing of litter appropriately, picking up after their dogs and avoiding lighting fires or barbeques.
Officers encountered incidents of littering and evidence of illegal fires that had previously been left behind. As no offenders could be identified, they supported clean-up efforts to ensure the areas were left in a better condition.
Councillor Judith Derbyshire, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Housing, said:
"We are taking this issue seriously. Our priority is to ensure that everyone who visits our area does so responsibly and helps protect its natural beauty by leaving no trace.
"During patrols, our officers have not only engaged with visitors, but also cleared litter left by a small minority, helping ensure these special places are left in a better condition than they were found.
"It is encouraging that the vast majority of visitors are behaving responsibly, respecting the environment, following local guidance and responding positively to the presence of our officers and Cumbria Police."
During the patrol of a National Trust-owned site in Ullswater, officers from the Council and Cumbria Police identified a group in breach of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) by causing anti-social behaviour and environmental damage while camping.
They had also parked by and ignored clear landowner signage stating: "No camping or overnight stays. No fires. No litter."
The site was found in a poor condition, with significant litter around the tents, including partially burnt waste, alcohol cans, tent pegs and other debris, some of which had reached the lakeshore and posed a risk of pollution.
Following a police arrest involving one individual, the team from Westmorland and Furness Council engaged with the remaining group, who accepted responsibility and were instructed to clear the site or face an on-the-spot fine.
As alcohol had been consumed, they were advised to leave the site the following morning and ensure it was left clear. They were warned that the area would be re‑inspected and enforcement action taken if any damage was identified.
An inspection the next day confirmed the tents had been removed, but a number of items had been left behind, including camping equipment, litter, tobacco waste and burnt materials.
As these items were not cleared as instructed and posed a risk to the environment, council officers concluded the site had not been left in an acceptable condition.
As a result, those responsible have been issued with Fixed Penalty Notices of £100 for breaching the Public Space Protection Order.
Councillor Derbyshire continued:
"While education and engagement remain our preferred approach, we will take enforcement action where guidance is ignored and there is clear evidence of anti-social behaviour and environmental damage.
"This group from Leeds chose to travel to Ullswater, ignore clear warnings and engage in anti-social behaviour. They will now face the consequences of the Public Space Protection Orders introduced in response to concerns from residents and landowners.
"We all have a role to play in protecting this special area, and this action sends a clear message that there are consequences for failing to respect it, including the need to 'love where you visit and leave no trace.'"
This coordinated approach highlights the strength of partnership working between the council, Cumbria Police and landowners, sending a clear message that while visitors are welcome, protecting the Lake District's environment remains a top priority.
Chief Inspector Lee Skelton, Westmorland and Furness BCU said: "The action taken in relation to this incident shows the strength of our partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council and sends a clear message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in protected areas.
"Our officers will continue to work closely with partners in Westmorland and Furness Council and landowners to patrol locations across the area to target the issues that matter to our communities.
"We're committed to protecting these areas and ensuring everyone can enjoy them safely and responsibly this summer."
Jenny Sutton, Visitor Operations & Experience Manager at the National Trust, said:
"It's encouraging to see the new PSPOs beginning to take effect. As a conservation charity, we exist to safeguard nature, beauty and history for everyone's benefit. We want people to come and make the most of these wonderful places - all we ask is that they treat them with care, have a fantastic visit, and leave no trace so the next person can too."
Across the May Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 1 to Monday 4 May 2026, Westmorland and Furness Council, Cumbria Police and landowners, the Lake District National Park and the National Trust, will be holding even more patrols at tourist hotspots.
These proactive patrols aim to ensure people are enjoying the area responsibly and where required, authorities will take enforcement action against those committing anti-social behaviour or environmental damage.
Introduced by the council on behalf of landowners, the 12 new PSPOs cover an area of 13.6 million square feet, almost the size of Lake Windermere.
Given the scale of these areas across Westmorland and Furness, the council, Cumbria Police and landowners cannot be everywhere at once.
Residents and visitors are therefore encouraged to report any incidents to support enforcement action.
To assist investigations, people can safely take photographs of incidents and, where possible, record vehicle registration numbers so the offender(s) can be identified.
Reports can be submitted to Westmorland and Furness Council at pspo@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk. In emergencies, Cumbria Police should be contacted on 999.
Those reporting incidents will be asked to provide a formal witness statement and, where necessary, attend court if a case is progressed.
Landowners are responsible for setting and enforcing rules on where camping is permitted, otherwise known as 'fly-camping' including the application of relevant byelaws. To report a person camping where they shouldn't, this should be submitted to the landowner.
This work supports the Strategic Visitor Management Group, which brings together partners including Cumbrian Councils, Cumbria Police, Lake District National Park Authority, National Trust, United Utilities and others, to promote responsible tourism, reduce environmental impact and protect both local communities and the wider landscape.
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