Residents in Buckinghamshire are engaged in a protracted struggle against traveler families who repeatedly establish unauthorized encampments on public and private land, often returning just months after being moved on. This cycle of encampments, occurring in car parks, lay-bys, and fields across the county, has led to significant frustration among locals and considerable expense for taxpayers.
The Rye in High Wycombe has become a focal point for these recurring issues, with authorities facing a persistent challenge in resolving the problem despite enforcement actions. Buckinghamshire Council reportedly spent £3,702 over two days in 2025 to remove one unauthorized encampment from The Rye.
Locals describe the group as reappearing frequently across various locations in Buckinghamshire, with some sites, like a lay-by near Stoke Hammond, having been used for decades and nicknamed 'Gypsy Lane.' 
Residents report instances of littering, anti-social behavior, and even shoplifting associated with these encampments. One local recounted an incident where an encampment on the outskirts of High Wycombe was left in a state of disarray, with broken items and debris. Another resident described how groups often arrive on Friday evenings or before bank holidays, complicating the council's ability to initiate legal action promptly.
Buckinghamshire has seen a notable increase in the number of caravans in recent years. The council stated that it takes concerns seriously and acts in accordance with its legal responsibilities. However, some residents feel that enforcement actions are insufficient to prevent repeat occurrences. In Chalfont St. Peter, where the average house price is significantly high, tensions have reportedly escalated, with instances of alleged abuse and shoplifting reported by local businesses.
In response to the ongoing issue, some residents have resorted to taking preventative measures, such as installing barriers on their land. The council has also granted retrospective planning permission for a permanent traveler site on green belt land in Chalfont St. Peter earlier this year, citing legal obligations to assess and provide for the accommodation needs of Gypsy and traveler communities. This decision followed an instance where caravans were established on the land without prior permission.
Reported fly-tipping incidents on public land in Buckinghamshire increased from 3,293 in 2022/2023 to 4,272 in 2023/2024, with locals attributing some of this rise to unauthorized encampments. Despite the council's stated commitment to addressing concerns, residents express little faith that the problem will be resolved soon, particularly as another bank holiday approaches.