Should users be fined?

It's a thought but unenforceable, I think.

DD,  People ruining the grass by using groundsheets on grass pitches should indeed be fined. There is no such thing as a groundsheet which will not damage grass after a while, even the so-called breathable groundsheet. If the CC banned the use of groundsheets on grass pitches completely, it wouldnt bother me in the least. 

Groundsheets are ok for gravel hardstandings so no problem there. 

K

Or make a charge for them....

Just ban all groundsheets ffom grass pitches.

"Breathable" ones are just as bad. When I was at school we were told it was Chlorophyll that kept grass green "breathable" has nothing to do with it.

No sunlight = no Chlorophyll = sour yellow grass = dead grass.

We crossed Kennine.

Or make a charge for them....

...hence why some sites charge for an awning?....the extra cost of maintenance?

Ban all ground sheets on grass would indeed be the simple answer. A fine is probably unenforceable (and would surely rely on "warden's discretion" as to how seriously the grass was damaged). Charging would just play into the hands of the irresponsible "I've paid for it, so what" minded. 

Better education of users would be preferable though.

DD,  People ruining the grass by using groundsheets on grass pitches should indeed be fined. There is no such thing as a groundsheet which will not damage grass after a while, even the so-called breathable groundsheet. If the CC banned the use of groundsheets on grass pitches completely, it wouldnt bother me in the least. 

Groundsheets are ok for gravel hardstandings so no problem there. 

K

Totally agree.

Exactly what we found at Godrevy last year.  Even MHs with no awning or only a canopy had some type of groundsheet.  Most looked like plastic or tarpaulin type.

Most pitches were in a terrible state.  OH mentioned the bare mud to the wardens, they agreed groundsheets were the problem, but did not appear to be taking much action.

 2 MHs near reception, in full view, never took up their groundsheets, and wardens have no way of checking what is going on inside a caravan awning.

Interestingly, we had a conversation with a site owner last year who said that 'breathable' groundsheets are not a problem.  It's the '"flaps" round the base of the awning, and anything like mats or other stuff in the awning that leave the grass yellow.

He showed us the difference between pitches where there had been caravans with and without awnings.  We could quite clearly see his point.

The mud flaps do indeed cause problems as they stop daylight getting through but the site owner has got it wrong about breathables. Without light, grass cannot survive for long. I actually bought the Aldi breathable one because several people told me they were fine and I allowed myself to be convinced. The grass yellowed and I took it up as soon as I noticed. It's for sale if anyone want's it.

To be honest, I have always wondered why some use a groundsheet on grass anyway. If I knock over my wine glass I would not want it all over a groundsheet. We just use a small square to put the boots on and even that comes up during the day.

Sorry Fysherman, but the site owner was not wrong!  He showed us pitches where we could clearly see where people had had mats etc.  

When we left, the only place the grass had yellowed was where the mud flaps had been, and where we had our table and other stuff.  The grass where the actual groundsheet was. was still green and perfectly fine!