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. 

 The plan sets out the commitment from nine organisations to deliver 33 coordinated actions that tackle the complex environmental pressures facing Windermere. 

Action Plan Highlights Include: 

• Tackling nutrient pollution from all sources of sewage  
• Working with farmers and landowners to explore how they can make positive contributions to improve water quality 
• Investigating opportunities to reduce flood risk whilst improving water quality using techniques such as natural flood management 
• Informing policy approaches through our work for Windermere that balance the needs of the environment, people and the economy  
• Expanding the range of people we work with, including citizen scientists, to increase access to water quality information 

Many of these actions are already underway, and all will be delivered over the next two years (2025–2027) by the Love Windermere Partners.  

Accountability and Transparency 

The plan includes clear commitments for progress, with regular updates via newsletters and social media, and an annual public report. The Love Windermere Partners Board will track delivery against agreed milestones to ensure accountability of Partner organisations. 

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

“This is about action, not just ambition. We know that Windermere matters to people. This plan focuses on doing the things that will make a difference, based on the best available evidence, and in partnership with the community.”  

He added,

“Restoring Windermere will take time, trust, and teamwork — but this plan marks a crucial step forward.”  

Community at the Heart 

The Action Plan reflects public feedback gathered through workshops, citizen science, and stakeholder engagement, and it sets out practical steps to improve water quality and reduce pollution. These efforts complement wider initiatives aimed at safeguarding Windermere’s future. 

Love Windermere are pleased to be part of the ‘Only Rainwater into Windermere’ feasibility study – working with a coalition of organisations to explore how this ambitious vision could be achieved. Windermere faces increasing pressures from climate change and population growth and it’s vital we take coordinated action to protect its long-term health and national significance. We look forward to the study’s findings, which will inform future plans. In the meantime, the Action Plan is already delivering improvements aligned with this ambition.   

Rick Bailey, Executive Chair, Thwaites said:  

“Windermere is more than a world-famous destination – it is the foundation of our local economy, provides a living for thousands of people and is the beating heart of the National Park. Businesses around the lake are proud to support this Action Plan because it’s built on evidence, collaboration, and a shared commitment to protect what makes this place special. There has been too much attention-grabbing hysteria about the subject of water quality in the lake, and now it is time to move on, be grounded in the facts and get behind actionable plans to address the evolving challenges that Lake Windermere is faced with. We are therefore proud to play our part in securing Windermere’s brighter future. “ 

Find Out More: The full Action Plan is available to download at: www.lovewindermere.co.uk/action-plan