Environmental Policy

Our Commitment

At Windermere Lake Cruises, we recognise that we operate within one of the UK’s most valuable and sensitive freshwater environments. Windermere is under increasing pressure from pollution, climate change, and visitor activity, and we acknowledge our responsibility to be part of the solution.

We are proud to support the Love Windermere partnership, committing to practical, measurable action to help protect and improve the ecological health of the lake for future generations.

Protecting Water Quality

Protecting the water quality of Windermere is at the heart of our environmental approach. We will:

• Use environmentally responsible, low-phosphate cleaning products across all vessels, workshops, and shore-based operations
• Maintain strict controls to prevent pollution, spills, and contaminated runoff entering the lake
• Ensure all maintenance and repair activities are carefully managed to minimise environmental risk
• Operate with a zero-tolerance approach to pollution, preventing waste or harmful substances entering water systems

Reducing Emissions & Supporting Sustainable Transport

As a major transport provider on Windermere, we recognise our role in reducing congestion, emissions, and environmental pressure:

• Promote our services as a sustainable alternative to car travel, encouraging visitors to “ditch the car”
• Support and incentivise group and coach travel, helping reduce vehicle numbers around the lake
• Work towards reducing fuel use and transitioning to lower-emission vessel technologies over time
• Minimise engine idling and improve operational efficiency wherever possible

Responsible Resource Use & Waste Reduction

We are committed to reducing waste and using resources responsibly:

• Recycle waste across all sites and operations
• Reduce reliance on single-use materials wherever practicable
• Continue to use eco-friendly cleaning and maintenance products
• Extend the lifespan of vessels and infrastructure through in-house maintenance and refurbishment, reducing the need for new materials and associated environmental impact

Sustainable Operations & Heritage Preservation

We recognise that maintaining and preserving our fleet is both environmentally and culturally important:

• Carry out all vessel maintenance in-house, ensuring high environmental standards
• Extend the life of historic vessels such as MV Tern and traditional boats through skilled restoration
• Reduce environmental impact by avoiding unnecessary replacement and material use
  

Supporting Local & Sustainable Supply Chains

We actively support the local economy while reducing environmental impact:

• Source food, drink, materials, and services locally wherever possible
• Work with suppliers who share our environmental values
• Support small, local businesses within the Windermere community

Protecting Wildlife & the Natural Environment

We aim to minimise our impact on the natural environment:

• Operate responsibly to reduce disturbance to wildlife and habitats
• Promote awareness of the lake’s ecology among staff and visitors
• Ensure that our activities support the long-term health of the ecosystem

Supporting Environmental & Community Action

We take active steps to contribute to environmental improvement and community well-being:

• Donate a percentage of our ticket sales to the Lake District Foundation, helping fund conservation and environmental projects
• Support local charities, community initiatives, and small organisations through donations, partnerships, and in-kind contributions such as raffle prizes
• Collaborate with organisations working to protect and enhance Windermere

Engaging Visitors & Encouraging Positive Behaviour

With millions of visitors to Windermere each year, we play an important role in influencing environmental behaviour:

• Encourage responsible visitor actions, including reducing pollution, waste, and environmental impact
• Promote awareness of issues such as water quality, algal blooms, and protecting wildlife
• Support initiatives that help visitors make more sustainable choices during their stay
  

Continuous Improvement & Accountability

We are committed to ongoing improvement and transparency:

• Develop and implement clear environmental objectives and targets
• Monitor our environmental performance and strive for continuous improvement
• Comply with all relevant environmental legislation and best practice
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders, including the Love Windermere partnership, to support science-led solutions

Our Vision

Windermere Lake Cruises aims to be more than a tourism operator. We strive to be a responsible custodian of Windermere, actively contributing to the protection, recovery, and long-term sustainability of the lake and its surrounding environment.