SHOCKING pictures and videos have emerged showing the extent of blue-green algae blooms have taken over one of England's most famous lakes.

Conservationist Matt Staniek has shared several videos of the blue-green algae blooms that are collecting in Windermere.

The green slime on the shores of the lake could be deadly if enough of it is consumed.

Blue-green algae can kill dogs and while there are no known human fatalities it poses a risk to people with underlying health conditions.

The algae can cause sicknesses such as diarrhoea and vomiting, skin, eye or throat irritations, and allergic reactions.

Matt Staniek, a campaigner raising awareness of ecological issues in the Lake District, said: "It is a massive risk as it can kill your dog. Even if they get it on their fur and lick themselves clean it can kill them. Depending on your health, it definitely could kill someone."

The Environment Agency (EA) said you cannot tell if an algal bloom in the sea, a lake or river is toxic just by looking at it so it is safest to assume it is.

Pets and children should be kept away from the water and skin contact with the algae should be avoided. 

It also has an impact on the ecology of the lake.

The blooms prevent plants under the water from receiving sunlight. Although blue-green algal blooms are naturally occurring, Matt Staniek argues that the 'extent and the abundance' of the blooms have been caused by climate change and pollution.

"What we are seeing is the result of nutrient growth in Windermere. It is being exacerbated by climate change," Matt said.

Matt claims the average temperature of Windermere has increased by 1.5 degrees over the last twenty years. 

READ MORE: Blue-green algae reported at Millerground Landings Windermere

"The extent and the abundance of which we can see is exacerbated that is why we have seen the lake over the weekend with this bloom."

South Lakeland District Council is telling residents and tourists to stay safe by checking the EA's North West map before they and their pets take a dip in the water.

When the EA confirms that a site has blue-green algae it updates the map and advises the landowner to put signs up warning people of the blooms. 

It has been a busy summer for the EA, with algae spotted in Millerground Landings last week, and then Windermere, Coniston, Cunsey Beck and Killington before that. 

A spokesman for Love Windermere partnership, which is developing evidence-based, long-term plans to maintain and improve water quality in the lake, said: “Windermere is a very special place and we are determined to do everything possible to protect and improve it for generations to come.    

“The lake is certainly not dying. It is however affected by a number of complex challenges including the impact of more extreme weather caused by climate change, an excess of nutrients and seasonal variations of the tourist population. 

“We are committed to developing the most effective solutions to maintain and improve water quality in the lake, including collating more scientific evidence to better understand the particular pressures on Windermere to allow us to target more effectively our interventions.”