Get Involved

Everyone can play their part to help improve the water quality in Windermere. From getting involved in citizen science projects, to thinking about what you flush down the loo, there are lots of things you can do to make a difference.

Family playing in water by Photo by @miekelauren
CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS: Share Your Childhood Memories of Windermere

Do you have memories of Windermere from your childhood? Perhaps you visited for your holidays? Or spent your early years growing up amidst its stunning natural beauty?

We are excited to invite individuals to participate in a unique research project in collaboration with Loughborough University. This project aims to delve deeply into the childhood memories associated with Windermere, a place cherished by many.


We’d love for you to share your personal stories – whether they are filled with joy, challenges, or involve a blend of both – about your relationship with the majestic lake and its picturesque surroundings.

Your narratives are valuable; they can paint a vivid picture of your experiences, thoughts, and emotions tied to this enchanting location.
By sharing your memories, reflections, and experiences, you will contribute to a greater understanding of the profound connections that people form with special places like Windermere. Your insights will help us explore how these relationships influence lives, shaping our identities and fostering a sense of belonging within the landscape we hold dear.

👉 To take part and share your story electronically, please click the button below.

📞 Prefer to share your story another way? Get in touch directly with lead researcher Dr Katie Parsons to discuss alternative options.


We welcome all voices and experiences. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Swimmer Ged is among the hundreds who have taken part in the Big Windermere Survey.

Hear from Ged as he explains why he volunteered to help with the Big Windermere Survey – and why he loves Windermere!
Keen swimmer Laura Ruxton of the National Trust takes part in the Big Windermere Survey

Bloomin Algae

Download this Citizen Science app to report the presence of harmful algal blooms of blue-green algae.

Septic tanks

If your house or business has a septic tank you need to look after it, and that will help look after the lake.  Call of Nature provides advice on how to maintain a healthy non mains system and hints on what to look for if yours is not operating effectively

Stop the Block

Wet wipes, period products, fatty food waste – all of these things should go in the bin and not down the drain.  Find out how abusing your loo or your kitchen sink can lead to blockages and sewage spills.

Eco-friendly detergents

Ever wondered what makes a washing up liquid or shampoo eco-friendly?  It’s all about using products that don’t contain phosphorus. Everyone can play their part in reducing the nutrients that can cause algal blooms.

Volunteering

South Cumbria Rivers Trust are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join them. There are plenty of activities to choose from, including electrofishing, invertebrate sampling, reedbed planting, fencing installation, tree planting and more.

Riverfly monitoring

You could volunteer to join a team of Citizen Scientists and monitor your local river, helping detect pollution and create long term data sets.

The BIG Windermere Survey

You could join 100 other Citizen Scientists and help take “the biggest snapshot of water quality” on England’s biggest lake.

Hear Laura Ruxton explain how as a ‘citizen scientist’ she believes the work of the Big Windermere Survey not only helps answer some of the questions about water quality but brings other benefits too.