Partnership Unveils New Action Plan for Windermere’s Future  

4 November 2025

The Love Windermere Partnership has launched its Action Plan – the first coordinated, science-led programme of practical actions in over a decade, aiming to improve water quality and restore the ecological health of the Windermere catchment…Read more

Citizen scientists help to ‘Water Watch’ at Windermere

22 October 2025

An ongoing citizen-science initiative at Lake Windermere has revealed its initial results, providing a snapshot of water quality and people’s attitude to the environment…Read more

Visit sees partnership in action at Windermere

15 October 2025

The Environment Agency Chair, Alan Lovell, recently met with Nigel Wilkinson MBE, Independent Chair of the Love Windermere Partnership, to discuss a strengthened commitment to drive environmental action for Lake Windermere…Read more

Septic tanks across Windermere

29 September 2025

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…Read more

All Windermere Permitted UU sites inspected in June

25 September 2025

As part of the Environment Agency’s ongoing efforts to protect water quality, inspections were carried out at all 14 permitted United Utilities sites within the catchment in June 2025.The sites comprised 10 wastewater treatment works (WwTWs) and 4 sewage pumping stations, each playing a key role in managing water quality across the area….Read more

Improving water quality in Troutbeck – helping to protect Windermere 

23 September 2025

United Utilities is embarking on the largest investment in water and wastewater infrastructure for a century.  We 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…Read more

Making It Easier to Protect Our Lakes: Proposed Planning Changes for Septic Tank Upgrades 

22 September 2025

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. The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) has drafted an LDO that would allow householders across the National Park to replace existing septic tanks…Read more

The National Trust takes action on flood resilience in Windermere 

19 September 2025

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….Read more

Newby Bridge Pebble resin eel pass

19 September 2025

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…..Read more

RoWindermere 2025: a weekend of rowing, sustainability, and shared purpose 

8 September 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…Read more

Strengthening Partnerships for a Healthier Windermere: NFU Vice President Visits Key Sites

1 September 2025

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…Read more

Funding for Farming in Protected Landscapes

22 July 2025

The Defra-funded Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) Programme has been extended until March 2026, offering a valuable opportunity for local farmers and land managers to secure funding for projects that will benefit the Lake District National Park….Read more

Ofwat to be abolished in water sector overhaul

21 July 2025

Ofwat to be abolished and a new, single, powerful regulator to be established to cut water pollution in England’s rivers, lakes and seas, and protect families from massive bill hikes…Read more

Innovating Wastewater Treatment: Trials Underway at Langdale and Hawkshead

20 July 2025

The United Utilities Innovation Team is always exploring new and forward-thinking technologies to improve how wastewater is treated — helping to reduce environmental impact and increase efficiency across the Windermere catchment….Read more

New Eco Eel Pass Upgrade

16 July 2025

Work is underway to replace an eel pass in Cumbria as part of work being undertaken by the Environment Agency to improve river ecosystems and support the safe migration of the European eel…Read more

Collaboration Across the Water

15 July 2025

In July, members of the Love Windermere Partnership met with Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA) for an insightful exchange on innovation, community priorities, and the shared challenges faced by our freshwater ecosystems…Read more

Blue-Green Algae Resources

14 July 2025

As the weather warms up, the potential for blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) to thrive in freshwater lakes increases, impacting locations across the UK, including Windermere…..Read more

New Project Tackles Septic Pollution in Windermere

3 July 2025

Led by South Cumbria Rivers Trust (SCRT) and delivered in partnership with the Lake District Foundation (LDF), the Windermere Septic Tank Emptying Project (STEP) aims to reduce pollution from poorly managed or failing septic tanks- an issue affecting many properties across the area…Read more

Natural Flood Management

3 July 2025

The National Trust is implementing a Natural Flood Management (NFM) project in Windermere to reduce flood risk and enhance climate resilience….Read more

Report environmental problems anytime, anywhere!

30 June 2025

The Environment Agency are making it faster and easier for you to protect the environment with a new reporting service available at the touch of a button…..Read more

Stay Safe on the Water

21 May 2025

Over the summer Stoked Watersports will be running free drop-in water safety sessions at Fell Foot park on Windermere which is looked after by the National Trust….Read more

Local Water Monitoring Action

19 May 2025

Lakes Parish Council and Ambleside Action for a Future water group have teamed up to monitor water quality at Waterhead, Ambleside – a place where local residents, visitors, and their dogs regularly access the lake…Read more

Management and Maintenance of Private Sewage

16 May 2025

South Cumbria Rivers Trust (SCRT), to provide essential information for owners and operators of private sewage treatment systems, including what they can do to help minimise their impact on the environment…..Read more

Species on the edge: Arctic charr

15 May 2025

Conservation Challenges for Arctic Charr in the Lake District: Understanding Population Dynamics and Environmental Pressures….Read more

Driest spring in 69 years

7 May 2025

The Environment Agency has confirmed that this year marks the driest start to spring in 69 years across England, with rainfall from January to March at just 52% of the long-term average….Read more

Cash boost for community groups – apply now

15 April 2025

As part of its commitment to maintain and make rivers beautiful, United Utilities offers a Community Fund which supports groups by providing funding for much needed equipment and training….Read more

Landmark report released on the health of Windermere 

25 March 2025

A landmark science led report examining the water quality of Windermere – England’s largest natural lake – has been published. ‘A Changing Windermere’, published by the Love Windermere Partnership, draws on decades of scientific data and analysis…Read more

The Practicalities of Private Sewage Treatment: Navigating Different Systems

19 March 2025

Through this series, SCRT, on behalf of the Love Windermere Partnership Sewage Theme workstream, aims to provide essential information for owners and operators of private sewage treatment systems…..Read more

Windermere farm’s low-input methods cultivate exceptional biodiversity

17 March 2025

Grove Farm, a National Trust tenant run farm in Windermere, is getting attention for more than just its picturesque landscapes. Last summer a habitat survey highlighted the biodiversity that is…..Read more

Secretary of State Visits Windermere to Discuss Lake’s Future with Love Windermere Partnership 

10 March 2025

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, visited Windermere this week and met with the Chair of Love Windermere Partnership to discuss the Lake’s future….Read more

Connecting to the Main Drains: First Time Sewerage

7 March 2025

The issue of wastewater management in the Windermere catchment has been an ongoing priority for the Love Windermere Partnership. We welcome recent campaigns raising awareness of the contribution private wastewater has on Windermere…Read more

Environment Agency carries out private sewage inspections in the Windermere catchment

28 January 2025

The Environment Agency is absolutely committed to improving the water quality in Lake Windermere, which is why they are working closely with the local community and a range of partners through the Love Windermere Partnership to reduce pollution from different sources…Read more

Grant Funding to Reduce Nutrient Runoff

23 January 2025

The Lake District Foundation has raised over £125,000 in grant funding from Westmorland and Furness Council and Lake District National Park Authority’s Farming in Protected Landscapes to support vital work to reduce nutrient runoff…..Read more

Back to Basics: Practicalities of Private Sewage Treatment

22 January 2025

The South Cumbria Rivers Trust provide essential information for owners and operators of private sewage treatment systems, including those not connected to main sewage, and what you can do to minimise the environmental impact…Read more

Innovative wastewater treatment comes to Windermere in a European first

17 January 2025

United Utilities is poised to become the first water company in Europe to implement an innovative, low-carbon, chemical-free wastewater treatment process. This technology has been tested at a site in Cheshire over the past year, yielding promising results…..Read more

The Future of Bathing Water Regulations – Love Windermere

11 December 2024

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Welsh Government have launched a joint consultation on proposed reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations 2013……Read more

Windermere’s Bathing Waters Rated Excellent Again

26 November 2024

The four designated bathing waters around Windermere—Fellfoot, Lakeside YMCA, Millerground Landing, and Rayrigg Meadow—have once again been rated as excellent in the latest water quality assessments by DEFRA….Read more

United Utilities Announces Accelerated Programme to Reduce Storm Overflow Spills

19 November 2024

United Utilities has unveiled an ambitious new initiative to reduce storm overflow spills at an additional 700 sites across the North West, demonstrating a commitment to tackling one of the most pressing environmental challenges in the region…Read more

Thank You to Councillor Pete Cook.

18 November 2024

The Love Windermere Partnership would like to thank Councillor Pete Cook for his dedicated engagement with the Partnership. His contributions have helped shape important discussions about the future of Windermere’s water quality and the health of its catchment… Read more

South Cumbria Rivers Trust Launches Reed Revival and Water Quality Monitoring.

4 November 2024

South Cumbria Rivers Trust and Lake District Foundation has recently launched a Reed Revival project around Windermere, aiming to restore over 500 square meters of reedbed across three sites… Read more.

Partnering with Local Farmers to Protect Windermere’s Waters.

25 October 2024

The Lake District Foundation is working with local farmers to help reduce nutrient runoff into the lake. Through a free-soil testing programme,35 farmers are exploring sustainable practices… Read more.

Love Windermere Partnership Welcomes United Utilities New Improvement Plans.

1 October 2024

Love Windermere Partnership Welcomes United Utilities New Improvement Plans. The announcement promises to invest an additional £156 million in Windermere, upgrading wastewater treatment facilities and enhancing infrastructure…Read more.

Love Windermere is Proud to Participate in the Water Sector Reform Event.

11 September 2024

The Love Windermere Partnership was proud to have been invited as an important stakeholder to the recent event hosted by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed.. Read more.

RoWindermere – a new recreational rowing tour launches from Fell Foot in September

27 August 2024

A passionate group of rowing enthusiasts from the North West has created a new recreational rowing tour, ‘RoWindermere’, which will take place on iconic Windermere over the weekend of 14 and 15 September 2024. Read more.

Local businessman is new Chair of Love Windermere

16 July 2024

The Love Windermere partnership has appointed Lake District businessman Nigel Wilkinson MBE as its new independent Chair. Read more.

The Big Windermere Survey – November 2023

14th March 2024

The results from the Big Windermere Survey Autumn 2023 are now in! Read more.

Preparations begin for Windermere natural land management project

11th January 2024

A project aimed at harnessing nature to help improve the way land is managed around the Windermere catchment area is gearing up.

Known as Revere, the project will see the development of new financing methods to enable the use of natural solutions involving landowners, farmers, the Lake District National Park Authority, National Parks Partnerships and global impact firm Palladium….Read more.

Swimmers carry out clean-up

22nd December 2023

Festive swimmers took advantage of the litter pick station at Rayrigg to carry out a clean-up before enjoying a bracing dip in Windermere…. Read more

Stakeholders chart buoyant future for Windermere

6th December 2023

Discussions, debates and detail about England’s biggest lake were the subject of an event aimed at developing plans and activities to ensure a healthier future for Windermere… Read more

All four Windermere bathing waters rated ‘excellent’

1st December 2023

All four official bathing waters on Windermere have been classified as ‘excellent’ in this year’s bathing waters classifications, released by Defra…. Read more

Podcast launches to spread the word about Love Windermere

27th November 2023

Introducing another way to learn what’s going on around the lake and wider catchment area… Read more

Capacity crowd hears about the science of Windermere

23rd November 2023

Nine months; the length of time it takes a single drop of water to pass through Windermere….. Read more

Windermere water investment plans go on show

15th November 2023

Residents around Windermere are being invited to consider plans for reducing storm water spills into the lake…. Read more

New sensors track water quality in Esthwaite

10th November 2023

Water quality sensors that help chart water quality in real time have been installed along one of the water bodies that flows into Windermere… Read more

Latest Big Windermere Survey results released

1st November 2023

A major citizen science project has shown elevated phosphorus and bacteria levels at locations around Windermere and its catchment this summer.. Read more

Innovative work to help nature around Windermere receives a major boost

19th October 2023

More support has been given to a project which will help finance natural solutions to improve the quality of water in Windermere.. Read more

Windermere survey work highlighted at international event

13th October 2023

Work underway to improve Windermere’s water quality has been highlighted at a prestigious conference held in Glasgow to showcase.. Read more

Citizen scientists thanked for providing vital snap-shot survey of Windermere water quality

25th September 2023

Volunteers who took part in a project to provide samples of water taken from Windermere simultaneously have been thanked for their work. The Big Windermere Survey is said to be the largest of its kind in the country. Results of the first full year are due out later this autumn.. Read more

100% grants offered to septic tank owners at Skelwith Bridge

11th September 2023

Owners of septic tanks and other non-mains sewage systems… Read more

Volunteers support summer Big Windermere Survey

15th August 2023

Over 100 volunteer ‘citizen scientists’ have helped gather samples from around Windermere.. Read more

Second Big Windermere Survey provides snapshot of autumn water quality in iconic lake and its catchment

17th January 2023

Scientists have published the results of the latest citizen science survey examining the water quality of Windermere – England’s largest natural lake. 

This represents the second dataset produced by the Big Windermere Survey project, independently led by scientists from Lancaster University and the Freshwater Biological Association. Read more