South Cumbria Rivers Trust (SCRT) has started its reedbed restoration project around Windermere.

Over 800sq metres of reedbed restoration is due to be completed before the end of March 2023.

Fencing has been erected on the shores of Windermere next to the Galava Roman Fort in Ambleside, owned by the National Trust, with a reed planting event held last weekend with volunteers.

And more reed planting is happening this week at two sites around Windermere.

Funded by United Utilities, Catchment Systems Thinking (CaST) is an approach to managing catchments in a “holistic, integrated manner”.

SCRT was given funding for the restoration because reedbeds in Windermere have declined “significantly” over the last 100 years for a number of reasons, including changing lake levels and an increase in nutrients, according to the trust.

Several locations have been chosen for restoration, which will allow “priority habitats a chance to thrive again”.

Kath Smith, SCRT community engagement officer, said: “This partnership project is a great opportunity for people to get actively involved with restoration projects on their doorstep.

“As well as addressing water quality issues through reedbed planting, we plan to address public perception by engaging communities with nature.”

Other activities including reedbed walks, demonstration days and talks with community groups are also planned.

James Airton, natural capital strategy and planning manager for United Utilities, said: “It’s great to see South Cumbria Rivers Trust starting this project thanks to funding from our CaST account.

“Driving nature-based solutions and the multiple benefits they can deliver is a key element of our Catchment Systems Thinking approach and reedbed restoration can play an important part in helping the eco-system in Windermere. 

“We look forward to seeing the reedbeds flourish in the years to come.”