13 November 2025

A coordinated approach to protect Windermere, the jewel in the crown of the Lake District National Park

Windermere, England’s largest lake, is the jewel in the crown of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is culturally, economically and environmentally significant to people locally, nationally and to the international visitors who are amongst the 7 million people who come to enjoy this natural gem every year.

“Only Rainwater into Windermere” is an innovative and exciting feasibility study tasked with delivering options that result in only rainwater entering the lake, with sewage and highways runoff being removed. The study is led by a coalition of organisations and contributes to a wider programme that partners are delivering to improve water quality and build resilience into the natural and engineering infrastructure in the Windermere catchment. Only Rainwater into Windermere has been established in recognition of the extraordinary importance of Windermere to the region’s economy and to our national natural and cultural heritage. The future health of Windermere matters to millions of people and it is vital that we have a long-term plan that ensures that Windermere is protected for future generations.

The coalition brings together key stakeholders who can assess the options and determine the feasibility of this ambition: the Environment Agency as regulator; the Lake District National Park as the local planning authority; Love Windermere, the local partnership supporting a healthy future for Windermere and its catchment; Save Windermere, an environmental campaign aiming to restore the lake’s natural state; United Utilities, the region’s water and wastewater provider; and Westmorland & Furness Council, the local authority. The group is convened by Edward Twiddy, who offers extensive experience from roles in central government, business, and environmental organisations.

The future of other sensitive and loved lakes around the world has been assured by investing in similar projects, such as Lake Annecy in France and Lake Washington in the USA, but this is the first time in the UK that a coalition with the means to deliver real change has considered such a far-reaching solution for a water body as big as Windermere. Whilst this work is at an early stage, the coalition is committed to pace, innovation, collaboration and transparency. The detailed engineering, environmental and economic analyses are being carried out by Jacobs and Mott Macdonald, and the feasibility study is scheduled for completion by July 2026, after which it will be shared for broader engagement and presented to decision-makers.

“This is a vital step forward — for Windermere, for Cumbria, and for future generations.”

Edward Twiddy, Independent Convener

To find out more visit: https://windermereonlyrainwater.co.uk/