One of the most beautiful areas of Wales is being scarred by the behaviour of illegal and “aggressive” campers, it’s being claimed. As well as leaving litter behind, groups of visitors are accused of intimidatory behaviour, of lighting fires, damaging trees, and using a lake as a “toilet”.
Rise in hostile overnighters
Llyn Gwynant is one of the most photographed scenes in Eryri but now its owners - who run a nearby campsite - are warning of an emerging trend for large encampments populated by “hostile” overnighters who are leaving staff feeling intimidated and unnerved.
North Wales Live reports that police have been called to the area twice in recent weeks but no action has been taken as illegal encampments are regarded as trespass, a civil matter. The owners of Llyn Gwynant Campsite have now taken the step of going public with their concerns in the hope of raising awareness of an issue it say is increasingly affecting campsites and farms across the area.
Staff feel increasingly alone
Campsite manager Jamie Rhinds said: “Our staff are feeling increasingly alone when dealing with aggressive and potentially dangerous situations simply because they are trying to protect the area.”
“As a site that cares deeply about the surrounding landscape and the protection of this special part of Eryri, it is becoming an increasingly depressing situation. It raises wider questions about the increasing pressure being placed on popular areas of Eryri, and how beautiful and environmentally sensitive places such as Nant Gwynant should be protected for everyone to enjoy.”
In the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, the numbers of people visiting the area soared and sustainable tourism was heavily promoted with visitors being encouraged to respect the environment and use park-and-ride schemes. However this year’s long hot summer has seen a further increase in anti-social behaviour.
Disruption has rocketed
Mr Rhinds said the disruption last summer was “bad” but this year it has “rocketed”. He said: “We leave these areas open so that the public can enjoy them, and most people who visit do so respectfully. Unfortunately, in recent months we have experienced a significant increase in people disrespecting both the land and those trying to manage and protect it.”
“We patrol the lakeside to ensure it’s safe and free from litter. If we come across illegal campers, very seldom are we met with positive responses. The majority just carry on what they’re doing and refuse to co-operate. One solution is to close off the laybys but that’s something we’re reluctant to do.”
Mr Rhinds said on “numerous occasions” his staff have had to deal with campers who refuse to extinguish fires or barbecues when asked to do so, and he also raised the issues of litter and rubbish being discarded around the shoreline, and the parking of vehicles. Plans to introduce automatic number plate recognition cameras in a bid to tackle increasing visitor numbers and unlawful parking in Eryri have previously been reported.
He said campsite staff are becoming increasingly deflated by the challenges but that their options are limited. He said: “As trespass is a civil matter, the police can be reluctant to get involved. However, because of the amount of aggression we’re confronting, with large groups swearing and being intimidating, we believe it’s becoming an issue of aggravated trespass.”
“The shoreline is a great spot for swimmers and families having picnics and we don’t want to stop that. However the combination of drought, irresponsible fires, damaged trees and increasing numbers of roadside visitors creates a very real concern for the surrounding land and public safety.”
