Image caption: People have been spotted pitching tents in areas where camping is prohibited Article information Author: Carwyn Jones Role: BBC News
4 hours ago
The beautiful site is also plagued by problems with campers, littering, aggressive dogs and parking.
Llyn Tegid, the largest natural lake in Wales, is a popular spot for water sports and locals are hoping to see many tourists visit over the coming months.
But some said the increase in tourists has led to littering and dogs killing farmers’ lambs.
“We are aware of the issues surrounding fly camping around Llyn Tegid and sincerely sympathise with the local residents’ frustration over the situation,” the Eriri National Park Board said in a statement.
Tourist numbers double
Local farmer Geraint Roberts says tourist numbers have doubled in the past four years.
“They mostly come to Rangawar on a day trip basis. The attitude of many of them is to leave rubbish and things behind,” he said.
“Most people are respectful, but some just don’t care.”
Roberts recently had some trouble with dogs on his property, which he said is common during tourist season.
“I heard dogs barking up the mountain so I went to get my quad bike and headed over there as quickly as I could.
“When I arrived the lamb was torn apart and near death, the mother sheep was lying next to the lamb but there was no sign of the dog.”
Image captioning, tourism, agriculture and local people need to work together, says Geraint Roberts
This is not the first time Roberts has had trouble with dogs on his property.
“We lost three rams near the lake. One died of exhaustion after being chased. Two were chased into the lake and died in the lake,” he said.
“It’s very sad… I asked some people to keep their dogs on a lead but one person said it’s a public road so there’s no need to put them on a lead.”
Roberts said he wants locals to be able to enjoy the area just as much as everyone else.
“This is a place for everyone, but when it fills up, locals have nowhere to go.”
Although Roberts is frustrated with the current situation, he says tourism is essential to the area.
“Tourism is extremely important and is the only major source of income for the region.
“But tourism, agriculture and local people have to work together. Making sure it all works for everyone in the region is a top priority.”
Image caption: Day John says the biggest problem is parking and traffic
Similar sentiments were expressed in the borough’s downtown, where many are hoping to see the issue resolved.
“The biggest problem we have is how to park our cars on the lakefront,” said local resident Day John.
“For people living across the lake, it’s a big concern if they need to call an ambulance or the fire service. [they can’t get past]”That’s a negative impact, but on the other hand, people need tourism here too, including local businesses.”
Image caption: Signs prohibiting overnight camping in some areas
Lisa Sperrin has lived in the area for 20 years and said the trash she sees on the lake is a nuisance.
“We’ve noticed it seems to be happening more and more, especially near lakes,” she said.
“I like to swim there in the morning, but often people park their cars overnight or arrive early in the morning and camp, which is not nice. It shouldn’t be there.”
“There’s a lot of rubbish piled up there and when you drive around you see a lot of campers and stuff on the side of the road.”
Image caption: Beryl Roberts says the town relies on tourism
But another local resident, Beryl Roberts, said: “I haven’t noticed it but I saw it in the paper because they pick up litter every day near the lake and there are lifeguards out there.”
“We depend on it [tourism]there are businesses that depend on it.”
“The Board has banned overnight stays on the site and actively encourages visitors to use official campsites, support local businesses and protect the natural environment,” the Elliri National Park Board said in a statement.
The company added that it has also arranged meetings with Llangower District Council and is working with North Wales Police to monitor criminal and anti-social behaviour.
What is the difference between bivouac and fly camping?
They had obtained permission to camp overnight, arriving very late and leaving very early.
They take their equipment and trash home with them.
However, the term flycamper is used to describe people who illegally camp on private property without the landowner’s permission and leave behind large amounts of trash.
This is how the campers who are causing trouble to local residents in Lyn Tegid are described.
