Our ambition
Working with our partners, volunteers, and communities we aim to improve water quality and ensure a resilient, natural transition of habitats from open water to lakeshore vegetation and woodland to support native wildlife. We want a place where responsible visiting is encouraged, and communities feel a strong sense of pride and ownership.
What makes Bassenthwaite special?
- Site of Special Scientific interest and part of a special area of conservation
- Native freshwater plant and animal species
- Mosaics of lakeshore and woodland habitats and native species
- Breeding and overwintering birds
- Surrounding landscapes and network of interconnected habitats
- People visiting and enjoying quiet recreation
Activities that place pressure on our freshwater environment
The top six issues are:
- Physical modifications e.g. drainage ditches
- Rural pollution e.g. sediment and nutrients from agriculture
- Historic mining activities e.g. heavy metals
- Point source pollution e.g. phosphates from waste water treatment works
- Invasive non-native species
- Disturbance from high levels of recreation.
How are we tackling the issues and managing the NNR for nature and people
- Manage and enhance priority species and habitats
- Control invasive non-native species
- Monitor and maintain breeding and overwintering bird populations
- Enhance and preserve the landscape
- Support catchment based approach for nature recovery
- Manage quiet recreation for people and nature.
