A strange substance discovered on the banks of Windermere is likely to be tree pollen, according to the Environment Agency.

The matter was discovered on Thursday, May 9 when it was photographed by a local resident.

Tim Keenan was walking his dog along Cockshott Point at Bowness when he photographed the thick yellow substance which appeared to be floating on the surface and congealed around the shore's rocks.

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He posted the pictures on social media and was concerned that the substance might be paint or something worse.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: "While we have not received any reports from Cockshott Point, we have received reports of similar-looking water at Wray Castle, Windermere, Derwentwater and Coniston.

"In response to these reports, a sample was taken and analysed. The analysis confirmed that no algae was present in the samples. Instead, the material was identified as Willow tree pollen.

"Recent data shows a 30% reduction in phosphorus – which can lead to algal blooms – entering the lake since 2020."

If anyone suspects a pollution incident, they should contact the Environment Agency's 24-hour incident hotline at 0800 80 70 60.