Hi there Welcome to the September Newsletter!
Hi there,
Welcome to the Love Windermere September newsletter
This month we’ve seen collaboration, investment and community spirit in action across the catchment. From major infrastructure upgrades to on-the-ground projects with farmers, landowners and conservation partners, each piece of work brings us closer to a healthier future for England’s largest lake.
Inside this issue, you’ll find updates on proposed planning changes for septic tank upgrades, United Utilities’ innovative chemical-free sewage treatment process at Troutbeck, and the National Farmers Union’s visit to Windermere. We also explore the impact of fly camping, celebrate the success of RoWindermere 2025, and share highlights from the PLURALAKES workshop.
With new natural flood management work underway and fresh perspectives shaping the way forward, it’s clear that protecting Windermere is a team effort – and one that continues to grow in strength.
The National Trust takes action on flood resilience in Windermere
This month, work started at Common Farm and Common Wood on the Natural Flood Management (NFM) project aimed at improving habitats and reducing downstream flood risk in Windermere. The woods and farm are looked after by the National Trust.
Proposed Planning Changes for Septic Tank Upgrades
Local Development Orders (LDOs) are a tool that local planning authorities can use to grant permission for specific types of development within a defined area, removing the need for a separate planning application.
Improving water quality in Troutbeck
United Utilities is embarking on the largest investment in water and wastewater infrastructure for a century. They will be spending more than £13bn over the next five years to protect and enhance over 500km of rivers, lakes and bathing waters whilst safeguarding drinking water supplies for millions of customers.
Fly Camping vs. Wild Camping: Why It Matters for Windermere’s Health
As the popularity of outdoor adventures continues to grow, so too does the need to protect the natural spaces we love — especially places as precious as Windermere. One issue that’s increasingly causing concern is fly camping, a harmful practice that poses serious risks to our environment and water quality.
Septic tanks across Windermere
There is a lot of discussion on how best to support properties across the Windermere catchment that use package treatment plants, septic tanks or cesspools to dispose of their wastewater, especially where drainage may also be contributing to pollution of the local environment.
NFU Vice President Visits Key Sites
Love Windermere recently welcomed Rachel Hallos, Vice President of the National Farmers Union (NFU), to Windermere for a day of insight, collaboration, and shared commitment to improving the health of our iconic lake.
Newby Bridge Pebble resin eel pass
The installation of a new eel pass at the Newby Bridge gauging station on the River Leven at Windermere is a significant step in enhancing the local ecosystem and addressing the decline in eel populations.
RoWindermere 2025
Over the first weekend in September, the shores of Windermere came alive with energy and camaraderie as rowing clubs from across the country, including Northwich RC, Trentham BC, Monmouth RC, Marlow RC, and Windermere RC, arrived for RoWindermere 2025.
Collaborative efforts at PLURALAKE workshop
Love Windermere was pleased to take part in the first PLURALAKES stakeholder workshop, held earlier this year at the Windermere Jetty Museum. The workshop welcomed people delivering projects in Windermere, working in science, living, visiting and campaigning to explore how different perspectives can help shape a healthier future for our lakes.
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:
Participate: We share the latest opportunities for you to take part in research, citizen science, and events.
Share Our Work: Help spread the word to increase awareness and support for Windermere
Thank you for staying connected with the work of the Love Windermere Partnership. This month’s stories highlight the real progress being made through collaboration — but there is always more to do. Protecting Windermere is a long-term journey, and it depends on the dedication of land managers, communities, businesses, scientists, and supporters like you.
We’ll continue to share updates and opportunities to get involved in the months ahead. In the meantime, we’d love to hear your thoughts and perspectives — visit our website to explore more news, or get in touch to share your ideas.
Together, we can help secure a healthier future for Windermere.
