Information for businesses

Tourism

Tourism is the life-blood of Windermere and the surrounding areas. Lakeside walking, cycling, fishing, sailing and nature-watching make the area so popular. Yet if algal blooms are left unchecked we could face closure of the lakes, damage to fish and wildlife and threats to local jobs and livelihoods.

• Tourism in South Lakeland currently supports around 5 million visitors per year.
• Tourism related expenditure in South Lakeland is worth £226.8 million to the local economy per annum.
• Tourism accounts for over 18,000 jobs in the area.

What can my business do to help?

There are a few simple steps that you as a business can take to reduce the amount of phosphate entering the lakes and prevent the excessive growth of algae. These simple steps could also save you money.

This video relates to the work we did in the Bassenthwaite Catchment, but the message is transferrable to Windermere.

Choose to be P-free

There is now plenty of consumer choice in laundry products. You can choose to use a phosphate free product from a range of brands without any compromise on quality. 

Phosphate-free products 

Being phosphate free means your business could receive some fantastic green marketing. Using the Love Your Lakes Approved logo acknowledges that your business has taken steps to minimise its impact on our lakes by using phosphate free laundry and dishwashing products.

More information on Love Your Lakes Approved

Caroline Farrer, Group Marketing Manager, South Lakeland Parks, says...
"We were surprised at how simple it was to work with this campaign and use only phosphate free products. The list of accepted products is really quite extensive and includes many well recognised brands such as Fairy and Surf. We’ve not had to compromise on cost or quality and that is a message we’ll be passing onto our visitors so that they follow suit"

Wash Less

Wash less often by making sure you fill up your washing machines and dishwashers before turning them on.

Provide towel/linen agreements (laundry cards) for your guests so they can choose to have their towels and bedding changed less frequently. Not only will this reduce the levels of phosphates reaching our lakes but it will also reduce water and energy use.

 Towel/Linen agreement  

  Laundry Cards

Use less

Cumbria is a ‘soft’ water area so you can use the minimum recommended amount of detergent.

Check your Septic tank

Not everyone is linked to the mains system for sewage. If your premises operate on a septic tank or package sewer treatment plant, ensure that it is working effectively, is in a good state of repair and isn’t leaking sewage into the ground.

Septic Tank Advice Sheet

Package sewage treatment plant

Limit Lawn Fertilisers 

Try not to apply fertilisers unless absolutely necessary and only in appropriate quantities. Applying too much fertiliser, especially just before heavy rain, means an overload of phosphates and nitrates being washed in to rivers and lakes 

 Lawn Fertiliser Advice Sheet 

Get some expert advice

We’re here to help you. Arrange a free visit from our advisers and find out how to reduce the amount of phosphates you’re using in your business – we might even be able to save you money!

 Book a visit now: Contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or phone on 01539 822622