BBC bolsters Baeesnthwaite

A major TV nature series fronted by garden guru Alan Titchmarsh is expected to put Bassenthwaite’s splendour and spoils in the spotlight.

The eight-part BBC series scheduled to be broadcast next year will be looking at wildlife, flora and fauna in different habitats across the nation.

Programme makers for Nature of Britain have been investigating the problems surrounding the Lake District’s fourth largest stretch of water, which has seen wildlife threatened by water pollution and silting.

Producer Chris Jackson explained he had been impressed by both restoration work and local people who were lending a hand in protecting their heritage.

“Bassenthwaite appealed because of the sheer beauty of the landscape, the scale of the restoration project and the opportunities for volunteers to get involved.”

Former Blue Peter anchorman Matt Baker - currently appearing in Only Fools on Horses - will be presenting sections filmed in Cumbria and the North East. He has been finding out how communities and unpaid helpers are playing their part in the bid to clean-up the lake.

Manager of Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration Programme John Pinder said he welcomed such high profile recognition and that it was a terrific boost to the long-running campaign to restore water quality to its clear, pre-war state.

“An important part of our work is trying to protect vitally important wildlife in and around Bassenthwaite, including endangered Ice Age vendace fish and our world-famous ospreys,” explained John.

“I think a lot of people will be surprised by how much is being done on many different fronts, including working with farmers and hoteliers to cut fertiliser and waste water use.”

John said he was looking forward to sharing good news stories from Bassenthwaite with a wider audience and that he hoped some of the initiatives would be a catalyst for inspiring others to lend a hand.