Brian and Jill Skarda have decided to leave Bibury, Gloucestershire, a village once named "the most beautiful village in England" by William Morris, citing worsening visitor behaviour since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The couple, who moved to Bibury from Barnsley, joined the parish council and became part of everyday life during their time in the area. Writing in Cotswold Life magazine in a column known as Tales from the Riverbank, Mr Skarda admitted "we have had enough invasive tourism".
Changed behaviour since Covid
Mr Skarda, who highlighted Arlington Row as a key point of issue, explained that tourists are now getting too close to locals, making it harder for residents to go about their own lives. He said: "We have decided that we have had enough invasive tourism in Arlington Row…We have been here for over 14 years and noticed that since Covid, visitor behaviours have changed."
He added: "They have become more inconsiderate and the sheer numbers of tourists …meant that, on occasions, we have virtually been unable to get out of our front door." In the latter part of his column, Mr Skarda said he hoped Bibury would one day "resolve its tourism issues" after complaining the area was being "ruined by the very people who come to see it".
Environmental concerns and action
Mr Skarda is not the only resident to take issue with the seasonal influx of tourists. Speaking to the Independent, parish council chairman Craig Chapman said overtourism was having an impact on the local environment too. He said: "Over the summer with the hot weather, people would not just sit on the river bank but would go in the water and even bring chairs in to sit on to cool down."
He added: "The main concern is the wildlife, but also the whole area with people using it like it is a recreational area. When they go into the water they can upset the habitat." Last month, concerns about the impact on Bibury's environment led to an announcement that fences would be put up around the river to stop people paddling in it.
Growing debate over overtourism
The remarks come as debate grows about the impact of overtourism in places like Bibury and Castle Combe. Every year, thousands of people from the UK and around the world visit these aesthetically pleasing places, many of which have appeared in films. While these visits can be good for the local economy, locals are often caught in the crossfire.
