Wild campers fined for cutting down trees and lighting fire in the Lake District
The offenders felled trees and lit a large fire, breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order in the Thirlmere area.
The damage was significant, causing 'unnecessary harm to the local landscape,' said Cumberland Council.
The council, working with United Utilities, identified the offenders, levying fines for the breaches.
The group also made a voluntary donation to the John Muir Trust to aid tree replanting and area restoration.
Cumberland councillor Denise Rollo, executive member for sustainable, resilient, and connected places, said: "Although wild camping itself isn't an offence, damaging the environment is.
Damage caused by the campers at Thirlmere (Image: Cumberland Council)
"Cumberland Council has zero tolerance for environmental harm, and anyone breaching the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) risks a fine or prosecution.
"When wild camping leads to litter, fire damage, or abandoned gear, it will not be tolerated.
"I urge everyone to camp responsibly, please follow Leave No Trace principles, and use designated sites to help protect our landscapes for everyone to enjoy."
Andrew Wright, United Utilities woodland officer, added: "Unfortunately, we regularly find trees that have been hacked down by wild campers.
"As well as destroying habitats, they are also creating a fire risk, which is extremely dangerous.
"We work together with the council, National Park, and other partners to engage with visitors and remind them that camping is only allowed in designated areas and urge them to leave only footprints."
The public is encouraged to report any instances of environmental vandalism.
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