THE Lake District National Park Authority is joining forces with a conservation charity this weekend to clean up litter left by people visiting the area.

Visitors have been returning to Cumbria since lockdown restrictions were eased, but the authority has been left concerned by reports of small minorities of visitors leaving rubbish.

On Saturday August 15 and Sunday August 16 the authority will join together with The Great Cumbrian Litter Pick, to tidy up areas of concern.

Ruth Kirk, landscape engagement officer for Friends, said: “The Great Cumbrian Litter Pick was due to take place in March but had to be postponed as lockdown came into effect.

“As the countryside has opened up, many people have been benefitting from the positive effects of our spectacular Cumbrian landscapes on their mental and physical health. And that’s great.

“Sadly, as we are all too aware, a minority of people have been, what can only be described as ‘trashing’ our much-loved environment.

“The ‘aftermath’ pictures have been truly shocking and we are bewildered as to the reasons why people would do this.

“There’s no quick and easy solution but while we work on ways to educate and communicate more widely and effectively to change behaviours, there is something that we can do right away; and we know many of you are itching to volunteer to help.

“And that’s to get out there, together, to clean up our county.We’re delighted to be teaming up with the Lake District National Park, who have done a fantastic job with their messaging and people on the ground to help visitors enjoy the national park responsibly.”

Details on how to get involved and information on Covid-19 measures can be found on The Great Cumbrian Litter Pick website.

Chris Wingrove, volunteer team leader for authority added: “As the country has emerged from lockdown we’ve been inundated with offers of help in dealing with the littering problem from people from near and far.

“Litter picking forms an important part of our year-round volunteering programme, but there’s sadly always more to do – these two days will make a massive impact in our battle to keep the Lake District clean, safe and tidy.”