The Crummock Water Project of 2023
At the start of 2023, I committed to making a monthly visit to the Lanthwaite Wood (North) end of Crummock Water. This commitment was inspired by the proposal from United Utilities to carry out considerable changes to the structures around the lake, including the removal of concrete walling, weirs, and bridges. Such alterations are expected to have a significant impact on the natural landscape—most notably, the lake's water level is anticipated to drop considerably, while other areas may become waterlogged.
My intention was to create a personal photographic record, essentially a ‘yearbook’, capturing the area as it currently exists before any work begins. I chose to focus much of my photography around a distinctive pair of trees situated on the lakeshore. To reach these trees, I cross several footbridges and walk along a lakeshore path—all features reportedly designated for removal as part of the proposed changes.
Most visits took place at or near sunrise, taking advantage of the morning light to highlight the natural beauty of Crummock Water. The one exception was my trip in October, which I made at the end of the day, offering a different perspective.
This 2023 photography project began on January 26th and concluded with my final series of images captured on December 15th. Through these photographs, I hope to preserve the character and essence of Crummock Water and its surroundings before the landscape inevitably shifts.
One of the weirs destined to be removed
On the project page of my website, I have included a selection of photographs captured during my twelve visits to the northern end of Crummock Water throughout 2023. In early 2024, I compiled these images into a photographic book, which I had professionally printed by Saal Digital.
The level of the lake will drop considerably
This particular area of Crummock Water was one of the very first places I visited when I began my journey into photography. It was during this memorable trip to the Lake District, in late 2014, that the initial plans were formulated for me to eventually move to Cumbria with my husband. Over the past decade, I have made numerous visits to this beautiful spot, and it continues to hold a deeply special and meaningful place in my heart.