Cumbrian Lakes Research Forum 2026

About This Event

The Cumbrian Lakes Research Forum 2026 is a hybrid event organised by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, taking place on 3 November 2026 at UKCEH Lancaster with online participation via Microsoft Teams. The forum brings together researchers and practitioners involved in lake and catchment management to share knowledge on research, monitoring and management of lakes locally and globally. This is the 11th annual forum. In-person spaces are fully booked, but online attendance is available by emailing Heather Moorhouse at heamoo@ceh.ac.uk. The cost is not stated on the page.The programme runs from 10:00 to 16:00 and includes presentations from researchers at UKCEH, Radboud University, Loughborough University, Natural England and United Utilities. Topics covered include modelling lake futures, nutrient dynamics in Windermere, water quality monitoring for swimming, stable isotopes for tracing nutrient sources, freshwater zooplankton parasites, sedimentary DNA analysis, monitoring of upland tarns, algal blooms through the Bloomin'Algae project, and catchment resilience at Thirlmere. The day includes two group discussion sessions and networking breaks.This forum matters to sustainability leads and SME owners working in water management, environmental consultancy, or catchment-based approaches. The presentations cover practical monitoring techniques, nutrient management strategies, and collaborative projects like Bloomin'Algae that demonstrate how research translates into management practice. The group discussions offer opportunities to connect with researchers and practitioners addressing freshwater quality and resilience challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Practical insights into lake nutrient modelling and water quality forecasting for Windermere
• Updates on citizen science water quality monitoring through Bloomin'Algae
• Methods for using stable isotopes and sedimentary DNA in catchment investigations
• Case studies on upland tarn monitoring and catchment resilience from Natural England and United Utilities
• Networking with researchers and practitioners in freshwater management

Who Should Attend

• Environmental consultants working on lake and catchment management projects
• Water company staff involved in reservoir and catchment monitoring
• Sustainability leads in organisations addressing freshwater quality
• Researchers and practitioners interested in freshwater ecology and management