At the beginning of 2023, I made a decision to visit the north end of Crummock Water once a month. My primary focus was to photograph a pair of trees that grow so closely together that, depending on the angle of view, they often appear as a single tree. Over time, I have affectionately referred to them as the ‘lone tree of Crummock Water,’ and for 2023, this became a mini project I was eager to develop and explore.

However, only a few weeks into the year, I learned of plans by United Utilities to restore the lake to its original natural state, which involves removing the weirs, paths, and concrete walls. Once this work begins, it is anticipated that the natural landscape will undergo significant changes, including a considerable drop in the water level and an increase in waterlogged areas. These changes are expected to dramatically alter the appearance of the lake, making this photographic project even more meaningful and urgent to me.

I have been visiting Crummock Water for many years and have spent more than a decade photographing its beautiful lakeshore. While I am uncertain how United Utilities’ restoration work will affect my future visits and photographic opportunities, this series of images will serve as a lasting reminder of a place that holds great personal significance. In addition to the images displayed here on my website, I have compiled a book of over 50 photographs, which I have had printed as a personal keepsake to preserve the memory of this beloved landscape.