Warning to 'wild campers' after hiker sets up tent and BBQ on protected Peak District site

Officials in the Peak District have warned wild campers to seek the permission of land owners before they pitch their tents.

The warning comes after a “wild camper” set up a barbecue and a tent in the protected Derbyshire countryside.

The Peak District National Park Authority wrote on its Instagram page about an incident on its Stanage North Lees Estate in the Derbyshire countryside near Hathersage.

It shared a photo of a person in a black hoody and jeans sitting on a chair next to a tent, a lit barbeque with some branches stacked on it, and a metal kettle.

The person’s face has been obscured with a sad faced emoji.

Officials said the spot they found the person was close to its official North Lees campsite in Birley Lane, north of Hathersage.

BBQs and open fires are not allowed anywhere in the open countryside of the Peak District National Park and fines are applicable in some areas.

The post reads: “If you’re heading to the Peak District this weekend we don’t recommend planning your trip like the person spotted on our Stanage North Lees Estate a few days ago.

“‘Wild camping in the open countryside is only with the landowner’s consent.

“In this case an official but beautiful ‘natural’ campsite was around two minutes’ drive or a short walk away.

“Being so close to the road also puts you and others at risk.

“Whatever the weather, BBQs or open fires are not allowed anywhere in the Peak District landscape.

“However you choose to visit, please take your little home, we spend as much on litter and rubbish collection that it costs to employ a national park ranger for a year.

“Have a safe, responsible and enjoyable trip.”

The authority has a frequently asked questions page on wildfires, saying most are started by unextinguished or poorly-managed barbecues, discarded cigarettes, litter such as glass which causes intense heat, and campfires.

It says: “The moorlands of the Peak District National Park are of global environmental importance, dominated by large expanses of blanket bog and upland heath. We must protect these moorlands from the considerable risk of damage by wildfires which are sadly a common occurrence throughout the year.

“There is currently no provision for having a BBQ in the open countryside of the Peak District. 

“In some areas, these restrictions may be covered by Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) with fines applicable.

“Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) which directly prohibit the use of items such as disposable BBQs, fireworks, open fires and Chinese lanterns are also in place in some local authority areas.

“Please do not increase the risk to you, wildlife and what may be private property by having a BBQ or using any form of open fire.”