South Cumbria Rivers Trust have been restoring reedbeds around Coniston and Windermere for over 11 years.

We have another exciting reed revival project, starting in Autumn 2024, to restore four sites around Lake Windermere. This project is in partnership with the Lake District Foundation.

Reedbeds have declined significantly over the years, more specifically by 90% around Windermere since 1870. This is for a variety of reasons, including boating, development, tree encroachment, wildfowl and more. We are on a mission to restore and maintain as many as possible for people and wildlife.

Reedbeds are a special habitat for many different types of animals, including mammals, fish, invertebrates and birds. The list is endless in terms of the species that reedbeds support. They are also transitional habitats, such called because they occupy the transition between aquatic and terrestrial habitat.

As part of this project, we will be restoring 1400 square metres of reedbed around the shores of this iconic lake. We will have a range of different activities for volunteers to get involved in, like coppicing, willow spiling, planting and walks and talks. We even have a sow and grow programme for children this time, which will be a great tool to engage children with conservation activities.

Keep an eye out on our events pages for opportunities and we will keep this page updated with activities as they occur!