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Cumbria - Lake Windermere Gets a Spring Clean

14th May 2009

England’s longest lake and premier tourist destination are ready for the predicted bumper season after a week-long clear-up.

Windermere’s annual spring clean was longer and better than ever with a lake and town litter busting offensive bringing in 120 bags of rubbish.

The refuse rally saw the Lake District National Park join forces with the town council for an extra special Winderclean. Volunteers, schools, community groups, probation services and local sailing clubs all lent a hand.

National park area ranger Steve Tatlock said everyone had entered into the litter pick spirit, leaving the iconic area spick and span for the summer.

He said: “People are saying we’re in for a hectic season so it’s great we’ve been able to have this major clear-up. There was a huge amount of commitment, especially from a group on the probation service’s community pay-back scheme.

“The traditional black-spots had their usual dismal array of broken bottles, cans and junk. We even found a discarded five foot long inflatable crocodile.

“Rayrigg Wyke is one of the worst areas as it catches the prevailing wind and all the rubbish from Bowness Bay. We gathered a large number of tennis balls, presumably blown in from The Glebe.

“We had a fantastic response and even hoteliers – who were too busy this month to take part – have offered to do their bit in June. A lady from Ravenglass wants to organise a similar event in her area.”

Steve is hoping the tidy-up also impresses judges for Cumbria in Bloom, who now look well beyond pretty flowers in making its prestigious awards.

“Although volumes of litter don’t seem to be getting worse, they’re not getting any better either, despite continuous campaigns and pleas to get people to use bins, take litter home and recycle.

“It would be great to get to the stage where we didn’t have Winderclean. Sadly, there’s no sign of this happening in the foreseeable future.

“We are very grateful to the Environment Agency, which continues to give Winderclean invaluable support.”

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