More than one illicit spill or leak was recorded per week around Lake Windermere last year, revealing the scale of the pollution crisis at one of England’s most-beloved nature sites.

A total of 68 “pollution incidents” were recorded by the Environment Agency (EA) in the Windermere catchment last year, according to data released as part of a Freedom of Information request and shared with The i Paper .

The incidents included multiple occasions of blue-green algae, which can be toxic to humans. Swimmers have been warned to avoid the iconic lake when algal blooms are spotted. New Feature

In Short

Quick Stories. Same trusted journalism.

It’s the highest number of recorded incidents since at least 2019, which local campaigners say is likely a result of more people calling in incident

See Full Page