Lakefly News

Keep up to date with Lakefly news by reading our Lakefly news articles, view past issues of our Lakefly pilot newsletters and sign up for future updates.

Latest Lakefly News

Featured
Volunteer Spotlight: Andy’s Journey with Lakefly Monitoring
Volunteer Spotlight: Andy’s Journey with Lakefly Monitoring

Our volunteers are at the heart of the Lakefly project. This month we’re shining a light on Andy, who samples at Bassenthwaite and brings a lifelong love of the natural world to every visit. His enthusiasm is infectious! Take a read and see why he thinks everyone should give Lakefly a try.

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Lakefly Volunteer Action Shot Gallery (September-December 2025)
Lakefly Volunteer Action Shot Gallery (September-December 2025)

From frosty mornings to creative tray shots, take a look at our Volunteer Action Shot Gallery (September-December 2025) and get inspired by Lakefly sampling in action.

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Lakefly – a new citizen science project to help monitor the health of our lakes
Lakefly – a new citizen science project to help monitor the health of our lakes

Led by the Freshwater Biological Association in partnership with Natural England, and funded through Defra’s Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme, Lakefly empowers volunteers to survey freshwater invertebrates, tiny creatures that live in the shallow margins of lakes and provide important clues about water quality. Using a simple sampling method and easy-to-learn identification guide, Lakefly volunteers collect valuable data that can help detect pollution, track ecological changes, and support better management of our freshwater ecosystems.

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Lakefly Newsletters

March 2026

December 2025

November 2025

October 2025

It’s been a pleasure working with partners, conservation groups, local communities, and lake lovers during the pilot year.

The Lakefly project is presently paused and we would like to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has supported the initiative.

Find out more about Lakefly and explore useful resources

  • Lakefly Online Training

    Lakefly Online Training

    This short online course will introduce you to the Lakefly project, the freshwater invertebrates we monitor, and prepare you for your in-person training.

    Let’s get started!
  • Gathering Lakefly data

    Lakefly Data Recording Form

    Once you have completed your Lakefly monitoring, please use our online form to upload all your data from your Lakefly monthly survey and submit your records.

    Upload your data
  • Lakefly Resources

    Lakefly Resources

    Please visit our Lakefly resources page to download the freshwater invertebrates ID guide plus additional guidance to support your Lakefly monitoring.

    View resources
  • Lakefly

    Lakefly

    Lakefly is an exciting new citizen science project helping communities monitor the health of our lakes by collecting and identifying freshwater invertebrates.

    Find out more