Eco-Warrior, the Wasdale Womble – Lindsay Buck

Dubbed the Wasdale Womble by friends and locals, Lindsay Buck has been on a mission to clean up Scafell Pike ever since she became a resident of the valley. Lindsay, well known fell runner and eco-warrior, caught up with Ultrarunner magazine to discuss the issues the fells face, the importance of mountain rescue and why she celebrated her sixtieth birthday with a year-long challenge up the Pike!

… “Engulfed in the solitude and scenery, I become lost in the environment out on the fells. Even the same fell, explored repeatedly, offers something different each time. When I moved to the Lakes and became a Gosforth resident, I felt incredibly lucky to have Scafell Pike right on my doorstep.  I have pottered about on my local fells for almost thirty years, falling in love with the Cumbrian landscape.  I only wish every visitor had the same passion for the health of the habitat as I do.

Most people are fantastic and clean up after themselves as they go, but some do not, and even a few people can make a big mess. The disrespect is disappointing. Seeing cigarette ends, used tissues and discarded plastics left around really saddens me. Occasionally I get frustrated. On a rare occasion, I become angry! Broken bottles, old cans and empty Tuna tins can cause damage to an animal. I think about the mess an unleashed dog might make of themself because someone had not taken their rubbish home with them! We should leave the fells as we found them: nice and tidy for the next person to enjoy.

At the top of Scafell Pike, there is a memorial, the highest in England. When I see litter lying around up there, I feel as though it is being insulted, and that is not a good feeling.