WHO ARE WASDALE ACTION GROUP?

Wasdale Action Group is a community-led initiative formed by local residents, businesses, and stakeholders who care deeply about the future of Wasdale. The group was formed in response to the growing challenges of increasing visitor numbers to Wasdale.

In recent years, the Wasdale Valley has grown in popularity as a visitor destination. It is genuinely wonderful to see more people discovering and enjoying this extraordinary landscape. However, with this increase in visitors has come a range of challenges that are having a growing impact on both the valley itself and the community who call it home.

Wasdale has always been a place to be shared and appreciated, and we firmly believe that people from far and wide should continue to enjoy its beauty. Our aim is not to discourage visitors, but to raise awareness of the pressures the valley is facing and to encourage responsible, respectful behaviour.

By working together - visitors, residents, and organisations such as the National Trust, the Lake District National Park Authority, and Cumberland Council - can help ensure that Wasdale remains a beautiful, unspoiled place for generations to come.

Traffic and Parking: Wasdale’s popularity has grown significantly, particularly during Covid and through social media exposure. The valley has limited parking and only one narrow access road. Poor parking and congestion can block roads, disrupt daily life for residents, and delay emergency services, including the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team.

Fly Camping: camping without permission in inappropriate locations and leaving waste is different from responsible wild camping. The following link illustrates the difference, https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/wild-camping-in-the-lake-district. Fly camping often results in litter and environmental damage. Under a Public Spaces Prevention Order anti-social behaviour linked to fly camping in Wasdale can be reported and perpetrators can be fined.

Damage to SSSI: much of Wasdale is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), protecting its unique wildlife and landscape. Damaging these areas is a criminal offence, and incidents can be reported and prosecuted.

Toileting: public toilet facilities are limited, with only a small number available at Wasdale Head. Improvements are planned but require funding. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead or use facilities at local establishments.

Litter: there are no public bins in the valley to encourage visitors to take their rubbish home. Littering remains a problem—please dispose of your waste responsibly.

Have a great time and keep Wasdale beautiful for generations to come.