![](https://keswickreminder.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Buttermere-2.jpg)
People illegally camping in the Lake District have left a huge mess – which took two days to clear up.
The National Trust said rangers had to clean up after the campers on the edge of Buttermere, after they left tents, sleeping bags, chairs, mattresses, clothing and rubbish.
They also left an axe which had been used to chop at nearby trees.
Rangers also had to clear six firepits with burned rubbish in.
The National Trust said: “The time and rental of a skip for this clean-up alone cost close to £1,000 and is resource that could have been spent doing much needed conservation work.
“Unfortunately, our rangers spend too many hours a year clearing sites such as this one.
“Please remember that camping is strictly forbidden outside of dedicated camp sites and fires are not permitted. Help us to look after nature by always following the Countryside Code.”