Andrew Chick Ecology

The Love Windermere partnership is dedicated to ensuring a healthier future for the lake by balancing the needs of nature, the community, and the local economy. Over the past 50 years, concerns have been raised about the health of Windermere, particularly regarding algal blooms and bacterial pollution. While phosphorus levels have steadily declined since the 1980s, the overall water quality remains below its potential due to the impacts of climate change and nutrient inputs from rural land use, United Utilities storm overflows and treatment works, and private septic tanks. To address these challenges, the partnership is collaborating with organizations and the local community to implement science-based actions aimed at improving water quality.

Several projects are underway to improve the water quality of Windermere.

The Big Windermere Survey, a citizen science initiative by the Freshwater Biological Association, engages over 100 community members in collecting water samples for independent laboratory analysis by Lancaster University. The data gathered informs decision-making and drives action to maintain and enhance water quality. South Cumbria Rivers Trust is working with volunteers to restore reed beds in the north of the lake, using natural processes to remove excess nutrients from the sediment. Meanwhile, the Lake District Foundation and the Environment Agency are collaborating with septic tank owners to develop community emptying schemes and promote best practices for private sewerage systems through the “Call of Nature” campaign. United Utilities is supporting food outlets and restaurants in reducing fat waste disposal, which helps prevent sewer blockages and environmental contamination. Additionally, South Cumbria Rivers Trust and the Environment Agency are trialling cost-effective technology to remove nutrients from septic tank effluent. The Environment Agency continues to monitor water quality at four designated bathing sites on Windermere and is conducting farm inspections to reduce diffuse pollution. The Lake District National Park Authority has launched the Revere project, a collaboration between Palladium and National Parks Partnerships, to explore nature-based solutions such as riparian woodland planting and wetland creation. In October 2023, new funding from Santander UK was announced to support further research under this initiative. To engage the local community, a Love Windermere public drop-in event was held in February 2023, attracting over 80 residents, including wild swimmers, councillors, and business owners, eager to learn about the partnership’s efforts. A dedicated Love Windermere website has also been launched to keep people informed about ongoing activities and ways to contribute, including donations through the Lake District Foundation. Recognizing that more needs to be done beyond addressing sewage pollution, the Environment Agency continues to advocate for broader action. Additionally, a landmark science and data report, A Changing Windermere, detailing the lake’s water quality, is set to be released in March 2025.