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Lakes

Large standing waters - not always created by nature

Lakes are large standing waters, bigger than two hectares in area. We think of them as natural, but there are now a lot of man-made lakes as well – the result of gravel extraction, and other mineral mining, and the damming up of rivers for water supply.

10,000

lakes in Britain

74m

The deepest lake in England is Wastwater

1

lake in England and Wales classified as undamaged

10,000

lakes in Britain

74m

The deepest lake in England is Wastwater

1

lake in England and Wales classified as undamaged

What can you find living in a lake?

Big lakes are home to the planktonic algae and tiny crustaceans that dominate the open water. The margins often support reeds and rushes, while fish generally live in deeper open water. Lakes are badly affected by pollution and have less wildlife than they should naturally, but they do still have a good variety of submerged water plants if not too polluted.

Some lakes are also home to rare and threatened freshwater wildlife. For example, the Glutinous Snail is extinct in England and, in Britain, is now found in just one lake: Llyn Tegid in North Wales.

- Llyn Tegid in Wales. (c) Ian Hughes www.lifeformsart.co.uk

Why are lakes important?

Lakes are important because they provide habitats for plants and animals that need permanent water – including fish like the Arctic Charr. They also support a range of water plants, such as Long-stalked Pondweed, and the highly endangered Glutinous Snail.

Lakes are important for a variety of waterbirds.  Naturally nutrient rich lakes in the lowlands can be  important breeding and wintering grounds for waterfowl. In Scotland, lakes may support breeding Red-throated and Black-throated Divers.

Species directory
Close up of glutinous snail

- Glutinous Snail. (c) Ian Hughes www.lifeformsart.co.uk

How is Freshwater Habitats Trust helping lakes?

We want to organise the first national survey of lakes, especially the thousands of smaller lakes about which we currently know almost nothing. We’ll do everything we can then to protect the best of them.

Through the Freshwater Network, we’re creating a wilder, wetter, cleaner, more connected network of habitats. That starts with protecting the best places for freshwater biodiversity. As we work with our partners to identify Important Freshwater Areas, we’ll be working to restore and protect lakes that provide habitat for freshwater biodiversity.

The Freshwater Network
Man standing in lake wearing snorkle

- Ian Hughes, conservationist at Llyn Tegid www.lifeformsart.co.uk

Find out more about our work on lakes

Boat displaying Freshwater Habitats Trust logo on the Thames outside the Houses of Parliament
Our policy work

As the UK’s charity for all freshwaters, we’re fighting for the protection of the whole freshwater environment.

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Aerial view of a landscape, including a meandering river and newly dug ponds.
The Freshwater Network

Together, we’re building a national network of wilder, wetter, cleaner, more connected habitats to reverse the decline in freshwater biodiversity.

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Man standing in a pond inspecting the contents of a net.
Conservation and practical delivery

Our focus is on evidence-based practical delivery that makes a difference for freshwater wildlife.

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