Wild campers who cut down trees fined by council

The campers felled tries and lit a fire in Thirlmere in the Lake District

Wild campers have been fined for cutting down trees and lighting a large fire in a wooded area.

Cumberland Council said the group had caused "significant" and "unnecessary" damage to the area when they camped in Thirlmere, in the Lake District.

Those involved were fined £100 and made a voluntary donation of the same value to wildlife conservation charity the John Muir Trust, to support tree replanting in the area.

Labour councillor Denise Rollo said wild camping would "not be tolerated" when it led to "litter, fire damage and abandoned gear".

"Although wild camping itself isn't an offence, damaging the environment is," she said.

"Cumberland Council has zero tolerance for environmental harm and anyone breaching the public space protection order risks a fine or prosecution."

United Utilities said its woodland officers regularly find trees which have been cut down by campers

The council said it was able to fine those involved with the help of the landowner, United Utilities.

Andrew Wright, the water firm's woodland officer, said the company regularly finds 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," he said.

"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."