Melbreak Wildlife Group watch out for Nature
Melbreak Communities represent the four communities of Buttermere, Loweswater, Blindbothel and Lorton that surround Crummock. Their Wildlife Group (MWG) plays a prominent and popular part in the community with members actively engaged in protecting species at risk. Last year MWG carried out a successful project to protect Curlew nests but other projects involve red squirrels, barn owls, hedgehogs and swifts.
Following the UU application at Crummock, the Group harnessed their considerable expertise to review the expected impact of weir removal. Their report highlights potential impact on protected species such as otters, bats, salmon and trout as well as damage to ancient woodland. Recently blue green algae and New Zealand pygmy weed have been seen in the lake and the project could see these problems spread. MWG are keen to emphasise:
âMWG does not take an overall position as to supporting or objecting to the application as a whole, its view is that a planning application of such magnitude should only be approved if the mitigation of ecological impact, and overall biodiversity gain, are significant and apparent, and that any short-term loss of biodiversity is kept to an absolute minimum.â
A key question for them is why the requirement for BNG has been waived by the LDNP Planning Authorities in advance of the application. You can read the full 25 page assessment Comments re Crummock Water planning application Ref: 7/2025/2052.
For anyone wondering if there is much wildlife in Crummock or the Cocker I recommend following local photographer @johntmacfarlane.