And he urged Lancashire County Council to provide more information boards to educate visitors and help protect wildlife and the environment. GlennW(who has asked the Courier not to print his full name), says problems along the riverside at Scorton, up and down stream of the council's picnic site near the M6 motorway bridge, have become worse.
Mr Whas been a private river keeper for a fishing club for 13 years.
But recently, much of his time has been spent clearing away rubbish left
by families, underage drinkers and drug users, repairing damage to the
land by cyclists and warning people not to let dogs off their leads.
Just last week, he discovered a young roe deer that had been chased
by a dog and attacked. He says it later died of the shock.
Mr W said: "Unfortunately there are a few inconsiderate people that
spoil the countryside for everybody else. Inrecent years, this area seems to have increased in popularity.
Opening the countrysideupfor disabled people, cyclists and walkers is great – but it also means opening it up for everybody else.''
Mr W says people often wander on to private land. In one morning, he
cleared three sacks of rubbish that had been dumped within 400 yards of
the picnic area.
He said: "It's particularly distressing seeing animals being chased by
dogs belonging to irresponsible owners. At this time of year roe deer are having their young, which are left in tall grassy shady areas.
The tall undergrowth around the picnic site andriver system is ideal cover for kindling deer, I find them every year and know each individual as I watch them grow.
There needs to bemore signage to educate people."
AndyGreenwood, head countryside ranger, said: "Scorton picnic site is a
tranquil and scenic place to visit. "However, we do understand that
such sites attract a tiny minority that have no respect for the countryside or the facilities provided for their enjoyment.
We are determined to reduce anti-social behaviour, and would urge
anyone witnessing such behaviour to inform the local police."