Just a short distance from Penrith a battle is underway to protect the local landscape from the Damadge and destruction caused by fly camping around Ullswater, Despite ongoing patrols by police, National Trust staff, and Lake District National Park rangers, the issue of fly camping around Ullswater appears this morning to be worsening despite recent claims of action by authorities, sparking anger and frustration among local residents.
On Friday 1st August, members of Eden Neighbourhood Police, in partnership with rangers from the Lake District National Park, patrolled the lake in response to rising concerns about illegal camping, littering, and campfires along the shoreline. These activities, authorities say, pose a serious risk to the environment and local communities.
But just 48 hours later, on Sunday morning (3rd August), a walk along the lake’s edge revealed scenes of fresh damage — smouldering campfires, strewn rubbish, and abandoned tents and camping equipment. Despite recent enforcement efforts and high-profile stakeholder meetings, the problem is as bad as ever.
Rangers working with the police highlighted the environmental damage caused by such behaviour. Campfires, they explained, can take up to two years for the landscape to recover from, and are often littered with hazardous waste, including cans, glass, and other debris. In some cases, green wood is stripped directly from living trees, leading to long-term ecological damage.
Last week, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, convened a multi-agency meeting after receiving a growing number of complaints from local residents — particularly in the Westmorland and Furness area.
“Fly camping, littering, fouling, and environmental damage are blighting some of the Lake District’s most treasured landscapes,” said the Commissioner. Following discussions with Cllr Jonathan Brook, Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, the Commissioner formally requested the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to give enforcement officers greater powers to deal with anti-social behaviour.
The meeting brought together representatives from Westmorland and Furness Council, Cumberland Council, Cumbria Constabulary, Cumbria Fire and Rescue, United Utilities, Forestry England, the Lake District National Park, National Trust, Highways England, and the Cumbria Association of Local Councils (CALC).
Despite this apparent show of unity, Sunday morning revealed the situation remains dire. Lay-bys around Ullswater were reportedly packed with vehicles camped overnight, while the shorelines were once again littered with waste.
Local residents have expressed growing outrage, accusing authorities of failing to act decisively. Comments on social media paint a picture of deep frustration:
“It just getting worse and worse.” – Maureen C
“Absolute shame on them.” – Diah M
“Absolutely disgusting, and even more disgusting that no authority doing anything about it. It's ok taking police boat out during day and rangers. It's night time they’re needed!!!” – Annie G
“NT/LDNPA/Eden Police have been all over social media the last two days, advertising how they are combating antisocial behaviour and fly camping......#fakenews” – Fi K
“This makes me so angry and sad. Such a beautiful area, and the authorities don’t seem to give a damn about sorting the problem out.” – Claire H
Calls are growing louder for real, enforceable measures — including the immediate introduction of a PSPO by Westmorland and Furness Council — before more irreversible damage is done to one of Cumbria’s most iconic natural landscapes. For now, however, the shores of Ullswater remain a symbol of what many see as a failure to protect the Lake District from growing environmental harm.
photos from around ullswater supplied by Fi Kennedy
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