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Bassenthwaite Lake: Views needed on management plans

Getty Images Light hitting reeds at foot of Bassenthwaite lake, Skiddaw in backgroundGetty Images
The lake is described as being special for wildlife, including ospreys

A five-year plan to protect Bassenthwaite Lake has been produced.

The Lake District National Park (LDNP), which owns the lake, is required to produce a plan protecting its biodiversity for the next five years.

The scheme includes maintaining a lake-user permit system, restricting access to the shore to minimise erosion and annual programmes to tackle invasive plants in the water.

Consultation on the draft management plan runs until 24 November.

Described as the area's "only true lake", Bassenthwaite, which is located between Keswick and Cockermouth, is home to a range of fish including salmon, trout, pike, perch and roach.

It has protection as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and as a National Nature Reserve, where ospreys can be seen fishing during the summer.

Getty Images View across Bassenthwaite Lake with Skiddaw mountain in the background.Getty Images
The LDNP plan will guide how it will manage the Lake over the next five years

LDNP northern ranger team leader Cath Johnson said: "Bassenthwaite is a special lake for wildlife, supporting breeding ospreys and many other flora, insects, birds, and small mammals all year round.

"It's a wonderful place for some quiet enjoyment, as motor craft are strictly managed and sailing, rowing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing, and swimming are all permitted."

The LDNP's plans to protect the lake and wildlife include:

  • Maintaining a lake-user permit system and no boating zone
  • Maintaining the current restricted access to the lakeshore
  • Maintaining a ban on "unauthorised" power craft
  • Researching developments into the control of New Zealand pygmy weed
  • An annual programme to tackle invasive species such as Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam
  • Using natural techniques, such as coppicing and willow pegging to stop paths opening
  • No live baiting

Landowners, lake users and permit holders can respond to the plan over the next five weeks.

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