Lake District authorities are stepping up enforcement against fly-camping before the Bank Holiday weekend, targeting people who leave rubbish, light fires and park dangerously. The action follows reports of campers lighting fires on dry grass during a heatwave, raising wildfire concerns and prompting worries that heavily visited areas are being damaged.

Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council are using enforcement powers, supported by increased police patrols and wardens checking shorelines by boat. Wild camping without landowner permission is not permitted, though discreet one-night stays are often tolerated if visitors leave no trace; breaches can result in a £100 fixed penalty notice. Local residents and outdoor professionals say they are finding numerous campsites, litter, scorch marks and other damage, and argue that current fines are insufficient.