The name ‘Lake District’ gives us a clue to the significance of lakes, rivers and tarns in the Cumbrian uplands. These water features are a major part of the Cumbrian landscape and have been pivotal in shaping the landforms we see today. As well as being a key landscape element, lakes, rivers and tarns provide essential habitats, natural and economic resources. No water no life! They are home to many special types of wildlife such as otters, Arctic charr, Vendace, native crayfish, dragon and damsel flies and are a key feeding habitat for animals such as bats and ospreys. The character of the lakes, rivers and tarns varies hugely across the Cumbrian uplands; from icy high altitude tarns, fast flowing erosive becks to slow, meandering rivers and wide enigmatic lakes. Management of the lakes, rivers and tarns is particularly important for wildlife conservation, landscape value, provision of water resources and flood control. This management depends very much on the associated land management of their surrounding catchment area.

70% of the UK’s water resource comes from our uplands so managing the land and controlling pollution in the catchment areas is vital to ensure good water quality. What goes onto the land ultimately goes into the water. A significant number of the upland water bodies are managed by public agencies and utilities. Much is already being done, but there are exciting opportunities for all such organisations to make a real contribution by managing their land in ways which protect and encourage biodiversity.

Two such projects are the Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration Project (BLRP) and Bassenthwaite Reflections Project. Bassenthwaite Lake is home to an amazing variety of wildlife, including its world famous ospreys and Vendace fish. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Natural Nature Reserve (NNR) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) but it is under threat. Changes in land management together with chemicals we’ve flushed into the water system since the mid 20th century have dramatically reduced the water quality to a stage where it is seriously affecting the wildlife. The restoration activities have focused on reducing sediment build up, reducing nutrients which upset the chemical balance of the water and undertaking flora, fauna and community projects.