Clear Lake Cleaning Community

Welcome to Our Community

We are a grassroots community of lake enthusiasts, nature lovers, and conservation volunteers who believe that every lake deserves care and respect. Founded in 2019 by a small group of friends near the Lake District, our network has grown to include members from Cornwall to Scotland, all united by a simple goal: keeping our lakes clean, healthy, and beautiful for future generations.

Whether you are an experienced environmentalist or someone who simply enjoys a peaceful walk by the water, there is a place for you here. Our activities range from organised litter picks and water quality monitoring to educational workshops and family-friendly nature days. We work alongside local councils, wildlife trusts, and fishing clubs, but we remain proudly independent and volunteer-led.

What We Do

Our members take part in regular cleanup events at lakes, reservoirs, and ponds throughout the UK. These are relaxed, informal gatherings where volunteers of all ages can contribute a few hours to remove litter, clear invasive plants, and observe local wildlife. We provide gloves, bags, and litter pickers—you just need to bring yourself and a sense of purpose.

Beyond cleanups, we host seasonal workshops on topics like responsible wild swimming, identifying native aquatic plants, and understanding the impact of pollution on freshwater ecosystems. We also maintain a lending library of field guides and conservation books for members, and we organise social meetups at local cafes and community centres to share stories and plan future projects.

• Monthly cleanup events at lakes across England, Scotland, and Wales
• Quarterly workshops on lake ecology and conservation
• Online forum for sharing tips, photos, and local knowledge
• Partnership projects with wildlife organisations
• Family-friendly nature walks and educational sessions

Our Values

We believe in practical action over politics. While we support sensible environmental policy, our focus is hands-on work that anyone can join. We welcome people from all backgrounds and experience levels, and we aim to create a friendly, inclusive atmosphere where learning and curiosity are encouraged.

Respect for nature and for each other is at the heart of everything we do. We follow Leave No Trace principles, work safely near water, and always coordinate with landowners and local authorities. Our members understand that conservation is a long-term commitment, not a one-off gesture, and we celebrate small victories as much as big milestones.

Join Us

Becoming a member is free and open to everyone. Simply drop us an email and let us know which part of the UK you are based in. We will add you to our mailing list and connect you with volunteers in your area. If there is no active group nearby, we can help you start one—it is easier than you might think, and we provide guidance on organising safe, effective cleanup events.

Members receive our monthly newsletter with event listings, conservation news, and seasonal reflections from fellow volunteers. You can participate as much or as little as your schedule allows. Some members attend every event; others join once or twice a year. There are no obligations, just opportunities to make a positive difference and enjoy the company of like-minded people.

Upcoming Events

We have cleanup events planned throughout the spring and summer at locations including Windermere, Loch Lomond, Rutland Water, and smaller community ponds in Greater Manchester, Bristol, and Cardiff. Check our community noticeboard for dates and meeting points, or get in touch if you would like to propose a new location.

In June, we are hosting a weekend camping trip near Ullswater for members and their families, combining a major cleanup effort with guided nature walks, campfire storytelling, and a chance to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the natural world. Spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended.

Resources and Learning

Our website hosts a collection of free guides on topics like safe litter collection near water, recognising common lake wildlife, and understanding algal blooms. We also share links to citizen science projects where members can contribute observations of water quality, bird sightings, and plant health.

For those interested in deeper involvement, we offer mentorship opportunities where experienced members support newcomers in leading their first cleanup or conducting water testing. We believe that building skills and confidence is as important as the physical work we do, and we are committed to helping each member grow as a steward of freshwater environments.

Success Stories

Over the past few years, our volunteers have removed more than three tonnes of litter from UK lakes, including plastic bottles, fishing line, and abandoned camping gear. At one small reservoir in Yorkshire, our regular visits have visibly improved water clarity and attracted nesting waterfowl that had not been seen there in decades.

Equally important are the connections formed between members. Many have told us that joining the community gave them a sense of purpose, helped them explore new parts of the country, and introduced them to lifelong friends. These personal stories remind us why we do this work and inspire us to keep going.