Huge loss of invertebrates detected in stream feeding into Lake Windermere

Campaigners say 76% decline in riverfly species’ abundance at Cunsey Beck is being caused by sewage discharges

Testing by citizen scientists of a beck that feeds into Lake Windermere has revealed a huge loss in invertebrate life that campaigners say is being caused by sewage discharges.

Save Windermere and WildFish carried out testing for invertebrates in Cunsey Beck, a site of special scientific interest (SSSI), in order to assess the impact on its freshwater ecology of the Near Sawrey wastewater treatment works, owned and operated by United Utilities.