News / Glasgow & West

Twenty-one charged over ‘irresponsible camping’ at beauty spot

Large amounts of litter, camping equipment and broken glass were left at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

Twenty-one charged over ‘irresponsible camping’ at beauty spot — Campsites were abandoned and a tree was destroyed by fire.

7th Jul 2020

A total of 21 people have been charged with irresponsible camping and environmental damage on the first weekend since travel restrictions eased.

Despite the wet weather, campers left significant amounts of litter, including large items of camping equipment such as chairs and sleeping bags, broken glass and full bin bags of rubbish at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

Irreparable fire damage to trees and ground in the area was also reported.

At one site, a total of 19 bags of litter were collected and ten at another.

Further to this, a tree was so badly damaged at another location by fire it may need to be felled.

This happened in spite of national guidance asking people not to go camping until July 15.

19 bags of litter were collected at one site. <strong>Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.</strong>”/></div><figcaption aria-hidden=true>19 bags of litter were collected at one site. <strong>Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.</strong> <cite class=hidden></cite></figcaption></figure><p>A total of 21 individuals have been charged under the Camping Management Bylaws 2017, which cover certain areas of the National Park creating Camping Management Zones between March and September each year.</p><p>Within these zones, people can only camp in a campsite or a pre-booked camping permit area.</p><p>All National Park Authority campsites and camping permit areas remain closed due to Covid-19 in line with Scottish Government guidance.</p><p>The bylaws are enforced by both National Park Rangers and Police Scotland and can result in a fine of up to £500.</p><p>Gordon Watson, chief executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, said: “It’s devastating to see the images of the of litter and damage caused by people camping over the weekend.</p><p>“Not only is this irresponsible behaviour and environmental damage a blatant breach of the bylaws, but it is also happening at a time when the national guidance is that people shouldn’t be going camping at all.</p><p>“While I can understand people’s desire to get out and enjoy the outdoors after such a long time being in lockdown I cannot understand why anyone would think it’s ok to destroy the place they’ve visited in this way.</p><p>“We cannot replace nature easily, or at the speed we are seeing it destroyed.</p><p>“The message is clear, people should not be camping right now and we are working extremely closely with our partners in Police Scotland to take action against this type of damaging behaviour when we need to.”</p><p>Chief inspector Gill Marshall said: “Between Friday 3 July and Sunday 5 July 2020, a total of 21 people were charged with breaches of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Camping Management Byelaws.</p><p>“These offences related to the setting up of unofficial camps, setting fires, and causing damage to the environment, including fire damage to trees which occurred across South Loch Earn, Loch Venacher and the Loch Ard area. There were also unacceptable levels of littering.</p><p>“We want everyone to enjoy the experience of the National Park and this has been the case for the majority. Unfortunately, a small number of visitors have failed to respect the local environment and community.”</p><p>The Scottish Government guidance is that there should be no camping in tents, where campers would have to rely on shared facilities, or in the wild since this is not ‘booked’ in advance so numbers cannot be managed.</p><p>Those who want to camp in tents in the wild, or in campsites using shared facilities, are asked to wait until it is confirmed that Scotland’s tourism sector can re-open.</p><p>The Scottish Government hope to do this on July 15.</p><p>The provisional date for reopening of National Park campsites and permit areas is July 17 subject to the Scottish Government confirming their proposed date for all tourism accommodation reopening from July 15.</p><div class=

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