Huge loss of invertebrates detected in stream feeding into Windermere

The Cunsey Beck where it joins Windermere. The campaign group Save Windermere is calling for urgent reform of the Environment Agency. Photograph: Simon Whaley

Testing by citizen scientists of a beck that feeds into Windermere has revealed a huge loss in invertebrate life in the lake in Cumbria that campaigners say is being caused by sewage discharges.

Save Windermere and WildFish carried out testing for invertebrates in Cunsey Beck, a site of special scientific interest (SSSI), in order to assess the impact on its freshwater ecology of the Near Sawrey wastewater treatment works, owned and operated by United Utilities.