A Changing windermere
Insight into Windermere
Windermere, England’s largest and best-known lake, an iconic feature in the Lake District National Park and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, is loved locally and worldwide. However, like many freshwater ecosystems across the globe, it faces challenges to its water quality.
A Changing Windermere provides an essential overview of huge amounts of data and research collected across widely respected science professionals to explain how and why water quality has changed, the current conditions and insight into what the future may hold. We look at nutrients, bacteria, fish, biodiversity, climate change, and the role of people in this special place. This overview of science is critical to help inform our understanding of how the different influences on the lake are impacting water quality and in shaping future conservation efforts.
We are grateful to the work of Partner organisations and many more outside this Partnership whose commitment to science, data and evidence over decades has made this compilation possible.
Key Findings at a Glance
Science
- Windermere is one of the best studied lakes in the world with records dating back to the 1930s.
- Phosphorus in Windermere has significantly decreased since 1990s.
- Nitrogen concentrations have remained stable.
- 20 sites of Special Scientific interest in and around Windermere.
Water
- Windermere holds an estimated 300 billion litres of water.
- It takes approximately 280 days for water to travel from the north to the south basin.
- The lake has four designated bathing waters, all rated excellent since 2017.
People
- Windermere is home to between 14,000 to 17,500 residents.
- The lake attracts 7 million visitors annually, supporting local businesses.
- Tourism and recreation contribute an estimated £753 million to the local economy.
Ecology
- There are at least 16 fish species recorded in Windermere.
- Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns are altering the lake’s ecology, with the average annual water surface temperature increasing by 1.7C, making the average surface temperature 11.6C.
- The Wetland Bird Survey have recorded more than 60 birds species have been recorded in the catchment.
Windermere Wastewater
- United Utilities is investing £200 million to upgrade treatment and reduce spills from storm overflows to 10 per year or less.
- Storm overflows are monitored every 15 minutes.
- The 89 larger permitted private wastewater facilities around Windermere discharge a combined equivalent to Ambleside Wastewater Treatment Works.
- There are approximately 2,000 septic tanks and cess pits around Windermere.
Downloadable Resources
Report
Dive into the report to understand key water quality indicators and gain a full picture of A Changing Windermere.
Postcard
Discover this handy A5 postcard to easily grasp the essential facts and information about A Changing Windermere.
Poster
Discover shareable information designed just for businesses and community spaces. Download the A4 poster today.
How You Can Help
There are many ways to actively support Windermere and contribute to its vibrant community. You can start by making mindful changes in your daily life, such as looking after your septic tank or package treatment plant, using eco-friendly detergents, using sustainable transportation, and taking your litter home. Engaging with the Love Windermere partnership is another effective way to get involved by sharing project initiatives on social media, participating as a citizen scientist, or volunteering with Partners on various project opportunities. Your support, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the community.
Residents & Businesses
Reduce pollution and adopt sustainable water practices. Find how you can Stop the Block and why the Call of Nature matters.
Visitors & Water Users
It is everyone’s responsibility to follow guidelines on safe access to water. You can check bathing water quality, Storm overflow data, reduce our invasive species by Clean, Check, Dry and be Kind to the park.
Community & Partners
Find out What’s Happening and how you can contribute to community events and actively support local initiatives that foster growth and connection.
A Changing Windermere report was created through a collaboration led by the Partnership Manager alongside South Cumbria Rivers Trust, Cumbria Tourism, and the Environment Agency. United Utilities shared details regarding their investment strategies and was informed by the insights contained in the State of Windermere report. Comprehensive references and sources can be found in the report. Guidance for the project came from Lancaster University, with funding provided by Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership. Westmorland and Furness Council contributed design work’ in-kind’, while the Lake District National Park Authority handled the printing. The review was conducted ‘in-kind’ by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and the EA Chief Scientist Group.
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