What is Chris Hodgson doing to help protect Windermere?

Chris Hodgson, a local farmer in the Lake District, plans to plant up to 50,000 trees on his 4,000-acre Rydal Hall Farm in the next 2 years and has not used fertilizers on his "special" meadow for the past 6 years, aiming to give back to nature and restore the landscape.

How is United Utilities addressing the threats to Windermere?

United Utilities, the regional water company, has pledged to make the largest investment in water and wastewater infrastructure in the area for over a century. This ambitious program aims to upgrade treatment facilities, reduce the impact of storm overflows, and protect and enhance over 500km of rivers, lakes, and bathing waters, including Windermere.

What challenges is Windermere facing according to the article?

Windermere is facing threats from an increase in water temperature, flooding, growing tourism, and inadequate wastewater infrastructure, which are putting the delicate ecosystem of the Lake District landmark at risk.

Home / Environment / Farmer's Mission to Revive Windermere: Planting 50,000 Trees and Protecting Nature

Farmer's Mission to Revive Windermere: Planting 50,000 Trees and Protecting Nature

9 Nov

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Summary

Windermere faces threats from warming, flooding, tourism, and inadequate wastewater
Farmer Chris Hodgson plans to plant 50,000 trees in the next 2 years to restore the area
Hodgson has not used fertilizer on his "special" meadow for 6 years, aiming to give back to nature

Farmer's Mission to Revive Windermere: Planting 50,000 Trees and Protecting Nature

As of November 9th, 2025, the picturesque Lake Windermere in the UK's Lake District is facing a range of challenges, including rising water temperatures, increased flooding, and the strain of growing tourism. Additionally, the area's wastewater infrastructure has proven inadequate, further threatening the delicate ecosystem.

In response to these concerns, local farmer Chris Hodgson, who runs the 4,000-acre Rydal Hall Farm with his wife Sharon, has taken it upon himself to be a guardian of the land. Hodgson, who was born and raised in the area, has noticed the gradual decline of the trees and is determined to restore the landscape to its former glory. Over the next 2 years, he plans to plant up to 50,000 trees on his property, and he has not used any fertilizers on his "special" meadow for the past 6 years, aiming to give back to nature.