Farmers praised for lake clean-up

Fertiliser and soil erosion pollute Bassenthwaite's waters

Farmers have been praised for taking measures to reduce the threat of pollution to one of Cumbria's lake.

Bassenthwaite has been suffering from poor water quality, and initiatives are taking place to stop sediment and fertiliser getting into it.

The Environment Agency has set up the Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) project which offers advice and assistance to local farmers.

It helps farmers analyse soil, and manage fertiliser use and waste.

'Practical solutions'

CSF officer Karen Austin praised local farmers for taking firm and positive steps on the rehabilitation trail.

She said: "Our farmers are well aware of the problems in and around Bassenthwaite and have willingly joined the campaign to tackle them.

"We have had numerous well-attended gatherings to look at soil conditions and management, reducing erosion and the effective use of fertilisers and muck to stem excess nitrates and phosphates entering water courses.

"The idea is to provide practical solutions that work on the ground and benefit both farm business and the surrounding environment, including Bassenthwaite."