Search our website
Subscribe to our e-newsletter
Choose phosphate free
check out our list of P-free products. With leading brands going p-free, loving the lakes is easy!
Information for visitors
A special place to visit
Lake Windermere and the surrounding areas draw in over 5 million visitors every year. Lakeside walking, fishing, sailing, nature-watching and the quiet enjoyment of the surrounding hills are what make the area so popular. Yet if algal blooms are left unchecked this spectacular environment could face the threat of closure of the lakes, damage to fish and wildlife and the loss of local jobs and livelihoods.
What can I do to help?
There are a number of simple steps that you can take to help protect the lakes by reducing the amount of phosphates getting in to the lake.
This video relates to the work we did in the Bassenthwaite Catchment, but the message is transferrable to Windermere.
Choose to be P-free
There is now plenty of consumer choice in laundry products. If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation or camping and bringing your own washing powder choose to use a phosphate free product from a range of brands without any compromise on quality.
Wash Less
If your self-catering accommodation has a dishwasher or washing machine make sure you fill them up before turning them on. Or if you're staying in a hotel, only request to have your towels changed when you really need them changing.
Use Less
Cumbria is a ‘soft’ water area so you can use the minimum recommended amount of detergent if you’re doing your own washing.
If your B&B, Guest House or Hotel and has a towel/linen agreement , you can choose to have your towels and bedding changed less frequently, helping reduce the amount of phosphate washing into the lakes.
If your accommodation provider does not offer this service –take the initiative and suggest that they do!
Choose ‘Green’ Accommodation
If your accommodation provider has a ‘green accreditation’ they will already be implementing environmentally-friendly and sustainable practices.
Get involved
Come along to our Love your Lakes events being held throughout 2011. Keep an eye on the Events page for what’s coming up.