A new project aiming to improve the water quality of Windermere has been launched.
A coalition of Cumbrian environmental organisations are set to spearhead direct action to restore the life of the lake.
Kendal-based charity the Lake District Foundation is leading the fundraising and has partnered with South Cumbria Rivers Trust and Windermere Science Festival.
A fundraising campaign is taking place during the national Big Give week which ends at noon on Thursday, April 25.
The Lake District Foundation said its aim was to double £40,000 pledged by local businesses, trusts and philanthropists.
If the charity raises £40,000 this week, the pledged funders will match that sum and the project will secure £80,000 to support the life of the lake.
Funds raised will go towards restoring and planting 1,400 square metres of reedbeds in Windermere.
The project will harness ‘reed power’ which will boost biodiversity, support water quality and reduce erosion, as well as creating sustainable eco-systems.
Sarah Swindley, Lake District Foundation CEO, said: “This wonderful lake, treasured by millions, is facing extreme environmental and climate pressure.
“We know the challenges that Windermere is up against, now it’s time to take positive action.
“We have an amazing opportunity to raise £80,000 to fund the life of the lake, but we can’t do that without your support.
“We desperately need everyone who cares about Windermere to make this fundraising drive count by donating what you can and sharing the campaign with friends, family and colleagues.
Lake District Foundation ambassador, Instagram influencer and outdoors advocate Thao Nunns said: “This is such an important campaign and I’m proud to support it. Windermere is an icon, famous around the world for its beauty. The lake is also a vital eco-system and we should do everything we can to protect it for generations to come.”
Nunns, who works with the Lake District-based outdoors group Wonderful Wild Women, added: “There is increased awareness on the challenges facing the lake, but I’m pleased to see real action happening to improve the situation. I hope that everyone who loves Windermere can get behind this campaign and help to raise the funds needed.”
The business and organisations who have pledged to match funds raised during the week are Langdale Estates, Lakes Distillery, Cedar Manor, Burn How Garden House Hotel, Lake District National Park Authority and the Reed Foundation.
Support the campaign at lakedistrictfoundation.org/biggive
