Love it here: Don't leave it here

Our rangers and volunteers spend countless hours collecting litter left behind by visitors

Many of our visitors clean up after themselves and take their rubbish home with them. Unfortunately, some visitors leave their litter behind in the countryside, which not only spoils the enjoyment for others, but is also a risk to our wildlife. Litter should be disposed of properly, to avoid harm to precious wildlife habitats, polluting vital water sources like rivers and reservoirs and to ensure everyone enjoys their time spent in the outdoors.

Leave only footprints...

Our rangers and volunteers across the Peak District spend endless hours collecting litter from the countryside every year which very often diverts them away from important conservation or access work. 

The delicate nature of the moorlands and woodlands across the countryside mean that vehicle access is very limited to clear the of rubbish. As a charity, staff resource and money is limited, and our teams across the Peak District can only do so much. 

Help us to work better for nature. For every £1 we spend on disposing of litter, that’s a £1 we could of spent on vital conservation work, to look after the Peak District countryside, wildlife and to improving facilities for visitors.

Litter left by visitors in the River Dove that flows through Dovedale
Litter left by visitors in the River Dove that flows through Dovedale
Litter left by visitors in the River Dove that flows through Dovedale

How can you help?

Picnics are the ideal way to enjoy the stunning views and scenery the countryside has to offer. When dining outside please ensure that the remnants of your picnic return home with you and are not left in the countryside. Play your part in keeping those views you love unspoilt, unpolluted and safe for wildlife and for everyone. When bins aren’t available place the litter that you brought with you in your bag to dispose of correctly at home.

Open fires such as campfires and BBQs are not allowed in the Peak District National Park, as they are a risk to public safety and the wildlife that live here. Also remember, heat reflecting off glass can also spark fires.

If you see a fire, get to a safe place, note the fire’s location and call 999. Stay safe and don’t attempt to tackle the fire yourself.

Piles of litter left behind by visitors at the Site of Special Scientific Interest that is Padley Gorge
Piles of litter left behind by visitors at the Site of Special Scientific Interest that is Padley Gorge
Piles of litter left behind by visitors at the Site of Special Scientific Interest that is Padley Gorge

Reporting fly-tipping

If you discover fly-tipping on roadsides or laybys please contact the local council immediately and provide them with the location and as much detail as possible. If you discover fly-tipping in the countryside please report this immediately to the landowner and provide them with an exact location and as much detail as possible.

Please note that different areas of the Peak District National Park fall under different local councils. If you are having difficulty identifying the correct council for a particular area, please click here and enter the postcode.

The remnants of fly-camping left behind at Longshaw. Camping is not allowed across the Peak District National Park countryside
The remnants of fly-camping left behind at Longshaw. Camping is not allowed across the Peak District National Park countryside
The remnants of fly-camping left behind at Longshaw. Camping is not allowed across the Peak District National Park countryside

Savvy summary

  • Take all the litter that you brought with you home, as there aren't always bins in the countryside.
  • Bag and bin any dog mess, if there's no bins take it home with you and dispose of there.
  • Bring a picnic as BBQs/campfires/outdoor cooking equipment are not allowed across the Peak District National Park.
  • Fly-tipping is against the law, if you see any on roads/laybys report it to the local council. If you see any in the countryside report it to the landowner.
  • 'Wild camping' is not allowed across the Peak District National Park countryside. Please book in at a designated campsite to avoid disappointment.

By taking you litter home and leaving no trace of your visit, you can set a positive example to others and be outdoor ambassadors of the landscapes that you love. Protect our countryside for the future of wildlife and for people - thank you.