Carry on camping - but remember the countryside code!
20 Aug 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
As the draw of the great outdoors encourages more and more people to enjoy a ‘staycation’ in picturesque Northumberland, campers and motorhome enthusiasts are asked to remember their impact on the environment.
Whether it’s setting up a tent at a campsite or parking a motorhome next to a fabulous view, visitors need to share the responsibility of preserving the area’s natural beauty.
Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for Looking after our Communities and Chair of the Fire Authority, said: “We are fortunate to have such beautiful surroundings in Northumberland, and to keep it like that the Council is running a summer campaign ‘Love it Like it's Yours’.
“The message is simple but crucial - leave no trace. Take your litter home, use designated waste disposal sites and respect the tranquillity of nature by keeping noise levels reasonable.
“Together, we can protect and preserve our countryside now and in the future, ensuring it remains a haven for wildlife and a place of peace and beauty for all who visit.”
Alex MacLennan, of Forestry England, said: “We are calling on all campers and motorhome users to treat the campsites and parking spaces as they would their own homes.
“It’s vital that we park only in designated areas, dispose of rubbish responsibly, and never empty loos into the countryside.
“The issue of illegal parking and littering has been a concern, but it's also important to recognise that many motorhome users are already setting a positive example. In fact, they use their holidays to clean up litter!
“There are still incidents of irresponsible behaviour that threaten the very spaces we rush to for our breaks – for example recently problems were caused by a wild campfire at Elf Kirk, which is a publicly accessible dark sky discovery site near Kielder Water.
“Such incidents not only pose a risk to the environment but also endanger the safety of wildlife and fellow visitors.”
Car parks at Amble, Bamburgh and Beadnell allow 24-hour overnight parking for motorhomes with a £12 ticket.
There is also a campsite at Druridge Bay Country Park with 20 pitches for motorhomes, caravans or campervans (all with hookups) priced at £30 per night, and pitches available for tents with and without electric from £15 to £28. Go to the website
For information on camper parking at Kielder Forestry England car parks go HERE
For Northumbrian Water parking areas go HERE