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 representing Cumbria Tourism, Environment Agency, Lake District Foundation, Lake District National Park Authority, National Trust, National Farmers Union, South Cumbria Rivers Trust, United Utilities, Westmorland and Furness Council to discuss ongoing efforts to improve the lake’s water quality and future aspirations. The visit provided an important opportunity to share the latest scientific insights into water quality, and the next steps in tackling nutrient enrichment in Windermere. 

During the visit, the Secretary of State met with the Partnership Chair, Nigel Wilkinson. Discussions centred on the upcoming publication of “A Changing Windermere” report, which provides a clear, science driven assessment of the Windermere’s water quality, and how this evidence should shape future action. 

Love Windermere took the opportunity to highlight the projects already underway through the partnership. These includes soil sampling and providing advice to farmers and land managers on nutrient usage through the LDNPAs Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, the Environment Agency and Lake District Foundation Call of Nature advice programme for owners of septic tanks, and how the partnership is working to support and tackle all sources which can influence the water quality of the lake, including private septic tanks and larger packaged treatment plants used by more commercial ventures.   

The Secretary of State was informed about continuing efforts as well as the next phase of targeted actions to further reduce nutrients from all sources to improve Windermere’s long-term health. 

Nigel Wilkinson, Chair of the Love Windermere Partnership, said: 

“Collaboration is key to tackling the complex challenges Windermere faces. We welcome the opportunity to demonstrate the progress being made and to ensure Government remains engaged in supporting local, evidence-led solutions being delivered now.  It is vitally important to secure the necessary resources to ensure that we maintain momentum and continue to deliver projects that benefit the lake now – everyone has a part to play” 

The Love Windermere Partnership also attended a session to share with the Secretary of State about a feasibility study to determine how a vision for a sewage free Windermere, from all possible sources could be realised. This project is managed by a steering group of organisations, including United Utilities, the Environment Agency, Ofwat, Save Windermere, Love Windermere, the Lake District National Park Authority, and Westmorland and Furness Council who are working together to explore long-term future aspirations. 

Cllr Giles Archibald, Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity and Environmental Services at Westmorland & Furness Council 

“Westmorland and Furness Council are committed Partners in the Love Windermere Partnership and we robustly support the need for action now that improves the quality of Windermere while supporting our local community, economy and the environment.” 

The visit reaffirmed the commitment of all involved to protecting Windermere for generations to come. To stay updated on the latest developments, sign up for the Love Windermere newsletter.