A conservationist has called the level of water pollution in Lake Windermere "dire". 

Matt Staniek, a zoologist turned campaigner, said:

"Lake Windermere is the most polluted lake due to sewage and phosphorus run off."

Last year Mr. Staniek launched a campaign to improve water quality in the Lake District by submitting a petition to George Eustace, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. 

"I grew up near Lake Windermere and I was shocked to hear about the levels of pollution in our lake. So for the last ten months I have been campaigning to improve water quality in the Lake District." 

Mr. Staniek has been featured on ITV Borders and national newspapers.

The Environment Agency put out this response to Mr. Staniek's concerns: 

"Sewage discharges and agricultural run-off can cause serious damage to local biodiversity in our rivers and lakes if not properly controlled. Water companies, regulators, farmers and others must do more to tackle these risks.

The issues surrounding the health of Lake Windermere and its catchment are complex. We have been pressing United Utilities to make progressive improvements to its treatment works on the lake.

Our monitoring data indicates levels of pollution are starting to drop.”