Dubwath Beck
Restoration
Dubwath Beck (also known as Wythop Beck) arises above Sale Fell and flows into Bassenthwaite Lake, mid-way between Keswick and Cockermouth. We are delivering a low impact river restoration project during the Summer of 2024, working with farmers, landowners, partner organisations, local commuity groups and volunteers, with future plans for more upstream restoration works in 2025.
Historically this beck had thriving populations of Sea Trout, Salmon and Brown Trout; due to pressures on the watercouse (mainly dredging and straightening of the beck), fish population numbers have decreased significantly.
The land is also a natural flood basin for Bassenthwaite Lake, but the beck is cut off from the floodplain by embankments running much of its length.
By reconnecting the beck to its floodplain, and introducing natural features like meanders, we can re-stimulate gravel movement through the watercourse and improve habitat for fish and other aquatic species, whilst reducing the volumes of sediment and soil that enter Bassenthwaite Lake SSSI.
If you would like to volunteer in the area, sign-up and look for Himalayan Balsam bashing activities at Dubwath.
For more information, email Assistant Director Luke Bryant.
Project funders
