Dozens of wild swimmers came together today to protest plans to alter Crummock Water.
It was organised by campaign group Friends of Crummock, which is objecting to proposals by United Utilities to remove Crummock’s 100-year-old weir, which would reduce the water’s overall level by 1.35 metres, or 4.4ft.
The water company’s plans are part of its wider proposals to return three of the Lake District’s waters back to their ‘natural states’ after it stopped using them for public water supply in 2023.
But objectors are worried the lowering of the water would devastate Crummock’s natural beauty and impact animal habitats, tourism and recreation.
Open Spaces Society, the UK’s oldest conservation charity, has also objected to the plans and said it was concerned the full removal of the weir would result in an ‘artificial’ and much reduced lake.
Friends of Crummock is calling for the water to be naturalised without removing the entire weir to avoid the overall water level dropping.
The protest, which took place this afternoon, Sunday May 11, at Lanthwaite beach, on the edge of Crummock, brought together over 30 people.
It involved wild swimmers, supporters of the campaign, locals, people from further afield and landowners affected by the plans.
Nicky Cockburn, a keen wild swimmer who is also closely involved with the campaign group, said the turnout at the protest made it clear how much Crummock means to people from all walks of life.
After facing breast cancer and developing lymphedema, Nicky said wild swimming in cold water was not only helping her physical health but also supporting her mental health too.
She added: “We came today to protest against United Utilities’ planning application, we want to see the weir re-naturalised through assisted recovery.
“For me, coming here really helps my mental and physical health, there’s loads of us who have issues like that and swim every day of the year here. I don’t necessarily want to be going into freezing cold water, but you come out feeling amazing.
“I have swum with otters here and this morning I saw oystercatchers fly over. They say protected species like the Arctic Char and other animals will adapt, but I’m really worried they’ll just disappear if the water level is dropped.”
James Lasher, of Lorton, who helped form the group, added: “The response today and so far has been incredible. There’s been over 275 letters of objection submitted and over 7,000 people have responded to the petition.
“In just a few weeks we’ve had enormous support, but this is just the start, and we will keep pushing until United Utilities do the right thing.”
United Utilities have submitted the plans to the Lake District National Park Authority. The plans are currently being considered.
