Action Plan

Working Together for Windermere: Community Conversations

When we launched the Love Windermere Action Plan, it marked a turning point for our lake and the communities that depend on it. This science-led plan sets out 33 practical actions to improve water quality and contribute to restoring the ecological health of the Windermere catchment. But launching the plan was just the beginning — the real work happens when we bring people together.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been connecting with key groups to share the Action Plan and gather ideas on how we can work together. These conversations are helping shape delivery — and everyone who cares about Windermere has a role to play.

Scientific and Research Group     

At the 10th Anniversary of the Cumbrian Lakes Research Forum, Ruth Forrester, Manager of the Love Windermere Partnership, presented how science and evidence have been used to shape the Action Plan and the work Partners will undertake over the next two years. Ruth highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared details of some exciting projects that partners will be instigating to address nutrient and other water quality pressures faced by Windermere.
[Read more about the forum Celebrating 80 years of monitoring and research in the Cumbrian Lakes | UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Councillor Conversations: Local Leadership in Action

We met with local council representatives to share the Action Plan and answer questions. Supported by Love Windermere partners, the session reinforced our joined-up approach and the shared commitment to improving water quality.

Business Voices: Engaging Local Enterprise

Hosted at Lakeside Hotel and Spa and convened by Rick Bailey of Daniel Thwaites, this event brought together more than 24 influential business owners from the catchment. We shared updates on Love Windermere’s objectives and encouraged businesses to play an active role in raising awareness and delivering actions. Supported by our partners and attended by Edward Twiddy, convener of Only Rain into Windermere, the conversation signalled a positive shift from previous meetings to a growing sense of shared responsibility and willingness to engage.

What’s Next?

Feedback from these events has been encouraging. There’s a clear understanding that restoring Windermere will take time, but there’s also a growing appetite to get involved. From scientific collaboration to local leadership and business engagement, the momentum is building.

These conversations remind us that restoring Windermere isn’t just about science or policy — it’s about people. Every voice matters, and every action counts. We’ll keep working with partners, businesses, and residents to turn this plan into real change.

Read the full Action Plan and find out how you can get involved: lovewindermere.co.uk/action-plan