The Big Windermere Survey
Our next Big Windermere Survey is on Sunday 12th May 2024.
Anyone can take part and volunteers need no previous experience.
If you would like to take part in the next survey sign up below.
“The Big Windermere Survey is an innovative community freshwater science initiative. Together, volunteers, professional scientists and catchment managers will take Citizen Science to the next level in terms of supporting evidence lead conservation action for Windermere”.
- Dr Louise Lavictoire, Freshwater Biological Association, Head of Science
Big Windermere Survey
Launched jointly by the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA) and Lancaster University, the Big Windermere Survey has recruited a team of local volunteer citizen scientists to help assess the environmental health of Windermere. The Big Windermere Survey has completed seven rounds of surveys representing a full year’s worth of data spanning the four seasons for 2022/23 and the Summer, Autumn and Winter seasons for 2023/24.
Citizen scientists are trained to collect water samples from approximately 100 different locations on Windermere and in the rivers and lakes that flow into it. The samples are analysed for nutrient and bacterial concentrations at independent laboratories, producing the largest, one-day snapshot of conditions in Windermere.
Windermere is a centerpiece of the UNESCO Lake District World Heritage site. Ecologically important, for example, as a home to rare fish species including the Arctic charr, Windermere is also a major destination for tourists and an increasingly popular venue for water sports such as wild swimming, kayaking and sailing.
However, concerns have been raised about the health of the lake, in particular because of algal blooms and bacterial pollution, including Faecal Indicator Organisms, that can potentially harm animals and humans. The Big Windermere Survey focuses on the key nutrients and bacteria that lie behind these issues, contributing to scientific understanding of water quality at Windermere and supporting the development of future initiatives to improve the condition of the lake.
Survey Locations
“This project is an exciting opportunity to combine the interest and knowledge of communities around Windermere with academic research approaches. We’re really looking forward to helping deliver new understanding of the lake and its surrounding catchment through this collaboration.”
- Dr Ben Surridge, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University
Results
Results from our previous surveys can be viewed using the links below. We will upload our February 2024 survey results once the analysis comes in.
All data can be viewed on Cartographer
A Big Thank You!
Thank you to our wonderful citizen scientists for taking part in all rounds of the Big Windermere Survey to date.
Funding
Thank you to our funders for supporting the Big Windermere Survey! Our February 2024 survey received funding from Westmorland and Furness Council and Lake District Foundation. Previous surveys have received funding from the National Trust, Lake District Foundation, Lancaster University Vice-Chancellor’s Prize for Participatory Research (2021-2022), Lakeland, the Environment Agency, United Utilities, the Lake District National Park Authority, South Cumbria Rivers Trust, and Brathay Trust.
The funding goes towards covering the costs of water sampling kits, lab analysis and logistics, alongside support at our four science hubs and the transport of equipment on survey days. To support with funding the Big Windermere Survey, you can make a direct donation. Alternatively, contact us at windermere@fba.org.uk for more information on how to support us. Thank You!
Further Information
Updates on the survey will be posted on Twitter @freshwaterbio and @lancsuniLEC and results will be disseminated through a range of sources, including on our website.
For further information on what is analysed from the water samples, please take a look at our water quality guide and our FAQs page by following the links below.
The FBA also produced an Information Note ‘The State of Windermere’ in February 2022, which explains the scientific basis and impacts of changes in the water quality of Windermere over time, to support efforts to better understand the freshwater science of this iconic lake.
Downloads: Risk assessment Blue-green algae
