Bassenthwaite Lake and Ospreys

Bassenthwaite Lake is a very important place for wildlife. Hundreds of birds including the osprey migrate to the lake and fish such as atlantic salmon come to Bassenthwaite Lake to spawn.

A major regeneration project ihas been undertaken to bring the water in the lake back up to the high quality which will best support its wildlife, including the unique vendace fish and the feeding grounds of the ospreys, now a regular summer visitor. Much of the problem comes from surface run off washing sediment into the lake and the seepage of agricultural fertilisers which encourage the spread of algae. 

The Lake District's first ever wetland nature reserve has been developed at the northern end of Bassenthwaite Lake. Visitors to the Dubwath Wetland Nature Reserve can expect to spot grasshopper warbler, curlew, greylag, geese, reed bunting and meadow pipit. The 10 hectare site will incorporate a new 650m gravel path linking to 900m of recycled plastic boardwalk. The routes are designed to provide access to viewing points and bird hides. The round celtic style wildlife hides will be made from local materials gathered in coppice woodlands and reed beds.

Whinlatter Forest above Bassenthwaite Lake is now famous as the nesting place of the magnificent ospreys which feed on fish from the lake. A television link can be seen at the Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre and there is an observation point across the lake in Dodd Wood.

Click here for more information about wildlife in the Keswick and North Lakes area.

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