29 September 2025
Holding water at Windermere
Work is wrapping up for the year on our NFM (natural flood management) project above Windermere, and thanks to last week’s rain we’re already seeing the results of our efforts.
We’ve created a series of ponds and scrapes across Common Farm and nearby Common Wood which will store around 11,500 cubic metres of water during periods of heavy rain, reducing peak flows down Mill Beck. They will dry out in between rainy spells, holding water at their deepest points, suitable as drinking water for livestock and wildlife, with wetland habitat perfect for a range a species around the edges.
We’re monitoring the impact of the project by tracking water levels and flow rates against rainfall, as well as testing pH, phosphate and turbidity (sediment) levels.
Machinery will be on site for another week to complete this phase of the project and will return next year to create three more wetland areas.
Our thanks to the Environment Agency for funding this project through their Natural Flood Management Programme.
