Celebrating Women in Science Protecting Windermere
This International Women’s Day, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible women driving environmental science and conservation across the Love Windermere partnership. Their work is vital to safeguarding the health of our lake and inspiring future generations to care for the natural world.
Why Women in Science Matter for Windermere
Science is the backbone of environmental progress. From monitoring water quality to restoring habitats, evidence-based decisions ensure that every action we take delivers real benefits for Windermere. Women scientists and leaders across our partnership bring expertise, creativity, and resilience to this mission, helping us tackle complex challenges with fresh perspectives.
Diversity in science isn’t just about fairness; it’s about strength. When teams include voices from different backgrounds, they generate stronger solutions and more innovative approaches. For Windermere, that means better strategies to reduce nutrient pollution, protect biodiversity, and build climate resilience.
Across the Love Windermere partnership, women are leading the way in research, policy, and practical action.
Meet the Trailblazers working with Love Windermere
Anna Williams, an Environmental Monitoring Officer at the Environment Agency leads monitoring activity combining fieldwork on the water with laboratory analysis and desk-based research to assess the condition of the lake, rivers and tarns.
“At the heart of my work is ecological surveying, which takes me to lakes and rivers across Cumbria to collect vital information on aquatic plants, invertebrates, and algae. These biological indicators, combined with water chemistry data gathered by our national monitoring field team, help to build a rich, detailed picture of how freshwater ecosystems are really functioning.
This kind of evidence is the backbone of everything we do at Windermere. It’s what ensures that every action we take — from reducing nutrient pollution to protecting biodiversity — delivers real, measurable benefits for the lake. Science doesn’t just inform our decisions; it drives them.”
Dr Ellie Mackay is a Freshwater Ecologist at the Aquatic Ecosystems Group at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) whose work explores the hidden world of lake ecosystems, examining how they change over time in response to a range of pressures. She is particularly fascinated by the microscopic plants and animals that live in lakes and what they reveal about lake health and their upstream catchments. This understanding of how lake ecosystems interact and change also informs her work on restoration and management approaches.
Working with colleagues at UKCEH, she recently led reviews on evidence for sediment nutrient enrichment across the Windermere catchment and in-lake restoration measures, providing recommendations to the Love Windermere Partnership.
“My research uses science-led investigation to understand the interconnected physical, chemical and biological processes that shape lake ecosystem health and biodiversity. By studying lakes alongside their upstream catchments — and analysing change across both short and long timescales — my work contributes to the evidence base that directly informs more effective, scientifically-grounded approaches to lake management and restoration.”
Rachael Halhead is Partnerships and Engagement Manager at South Cumbria Rivers Trust (SCRT), where she has worked across programmes including water quality monitoring, reedbed restoration, weir removal, biosecurity, invasive species and nutrient neutrality. Rachael leads the South Cumbria Catchment Partnership, a DEFRA-funded initiative delivering catchment-scale environmental improvements with climate change resilience benefits, and serves as lead officer for the Love Windermere Sewage Workstream.
“Working at SCRT, allows me to work in practical environmental delivery whilst developing working relationships that drive real change. I can point to where I have a daily impact, whether that’s a septic tank owner getting checks after a recent conversation or where I have planted trees to reduce diffuse pollution. We all impact the rivers we know and love, and we are all responsible for ensuring their resilience into the future. Working in this sector offers exciting opportunities for development, opportunities to learn from partners and deliver maximum impacts for our natural environment”.
Dr Heather Moorhouse, Freshwater Ecologist in the Aquatic Ecosystems Group at UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, works on a range of projects that focus on the collection and interpretation of scientific evidence to help better understand and manage the pressures faced by Windermere and other Cumbrian Lakes.
“Investing in Women in STEM is important because representation matters. I am a product of the incredible Women in STEM who have supported and mentored me throughout my career.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
When people see women thriving in science and environmental leadership, they see possibilities for themselves. That’s why Love Windermere partners actively support outreach programs, school visits, and community events that showcase careers in conservation and STEM.
By sharing stories of women who are making a difference, we hope to spark curiosity and ambition in future scientists, engineers and environmental advocates. Protecting Windermere isn’t just about today, it’s about building a pipeline of talent for tomorrow.
The Power of Collaboration
No single organisation can solve the challenges facing Windermere alone. Success depends on collaboration, and women across our partnership are at the heart of that effort. They bring people together, share knowledge, and lead projects that unite communities, businesses, and regulators behind a common purpose.
International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress happens when everyone has a seat at the table. By championing diversity and inclusion, we strengthen our ability to protect the lake and the landscapes that make the Lake District so special.
How You Can Celebrate and Support
Join us in recognising the women who are shaping Windermere’s future. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Share their stories: Follow Love Windermere on social media and help amplify the voices of women in science.
- Encourage STEM learning: Support initiatives that inspire girls and young women to explore careers in science and conservation.
- Take action for the lake: Whether it’s volunteering, reducing runoff at home, or spreading awareness, every step counts.
Looking Ahead
The challenges facing Windermere are complex, but with science, collaboration, and leadership from incredible people across our partnership, we’re making progress. Today, we celebrate their achievements and tomorrow, we continue the work together.