Litter from campers halts wildlife projects

CAMPERVAN holidaymakers have been blamed for halting National Trust projects as rangers have been forced to spend so much time picking up litter.

Worries about travelling abroad during the pandemic have caused many people to explore Britain instead, with caravan holidays an increasingly popular choice.

Since the easing of lockdown restrictions in England, tourist hotspots including the Peak District, Lake District and the South West have seen significant rises in the number of people camping, and a spike in campervans parking at beauty spots overnight without permission. Many are leaving rubbish behind – or even camping equipment, including tents – for rangers to clean up.

Projects such as restoring wildflower meadows or caring for wildlife as well as essential maintenance of footpaths, have all been halted as National Trust staff work to combat fly-tipping.

In Dovedale, in the Peak District, 170 large bin-bags of rubbish were collected over just three days in June. And during the past few weeks 25 tents have been cleared together with 20 camping chairs, six air-beds, several barbecues and a couple of camping tables.

National Trust ranger teams are finding 20 per cent of their time is now spent on clearing up after visitors rather than on vital conservation work.