Hi there Welcome Back to Our Newsletter!
Hi there,
Welcome to the latest edition of the Love Windermere newsletter, and an especially warm welcome to those who have recently joined us!
The Love Windermere Partnership is a collaborative effort of local and national organisations dedicated to enhancing the water quality of Windermere, England's largest lake. Together, we're working to address water quality challenges, support sustainable practices, and inspire community-wide action for Windermere's future.
Since our last update, the partnership has been busy. Here are just a few highlights.
Windermere’s Bathing Waters Rated Excellent
The four designated bathing waters around Windermere—Fellfoot, Lakeside YMCA, Millerground Landing, and Rayrigg Meadow—have once again been rated as excellent in the latest water quality assessments by DEFRA. These sites have maintained this highest rating every year since 2015.
Protection Through Farming Innovation
Lake District Foundation leads the way in supporting sustainable farming to protect Windermere waters. As a Love Windermere partner, It is working with local farmers to reduce nutrient runoff into the lake.
Research Reveals Insights into Water Quality
The Love Windermere Partnership attended the Cumbrian Lakes Research Forum in November, hosted by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH). Dr Moorhouse presented findings on sediment phosphorus conditions in Windermere from a report commissioned by the Partnership.
Creating Vital Wood Pastures to Protect
The National Trust is creating 65 hectares of wood pasture on Windermere’s east shore to reduce runoff and filter sediment, contributing to the lake’s water quality and ecosystem health.
Enhancing Water Quality at Ambleside
United Utilities recently held a drop-in session for the community to learn more about the investment plans in Ambleside. Plans include a new 25 metre storage tank, holding 4,500m3 of stormwater, to significantly reduce spills into the lake. Ground and ecology surveys are underway, and planning permission is expected to be submitted in December.
Restoring Reedbeds for a Healthier Windermere
South Cumbria Rivers Trust and Lake District Foundation have recently launched a Reed Revival project around Windermere, aiming to restore over 500 square meters of reedbed across three sites.
Did You Know?
The Lake District National Park, Lake Rangers engage with over 1,000 visitors, businesses and residences each year fostering a deeper understanding of water conversation, and safety to inspire community-wide stewardship.
What's Next for Love Windermere?
The Love Windermere Partnership is committed to ensuring that all our decisions are based on scientific, data-driven expertise. This approach helps us identify the lake's most pressing challenges and prioritise effective actions to address them.
We're grateful to everyone who has provided valuable insight through surveys, workshops, and information meetings. Your input helps us shape solutions that benefit both the lake and the people who rely on it. Our ongoing projects will continue from habitat restoration to monitoring and work to ensure wastewater in the catchment is treated to the highest possible standard, to support a sustainable future for the lake and surrounding ecosystem. You'll find details of these initiatives in future newsletters and on our website.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you're new to Love Windermere or have supported us since the start, your engagement is key to our success. Here are a few ways you can help:
Stay Informed: Follow us and our partners for updates.
Get Involved: Look out for announcements about joining Citizen Scientists projects.
Share Our Work: Help spread the word to increase awareness and support for Windermere
Thank you for being part of this important journey. Together, with your support, we're making a positive difference, one step at a time.
We're looking forward to sharing more success stories, progress updates, and ways you can help protect and preserve Windermere for generations to come.
