Yesterday I was down in Windermere for the day doing the last few chlorophyll a extractions for the mesocosm experiment at the FBA - we still have a lab there from back in the days when the centre for ecology and hydrology was located there, the good old days I bet. Lake, mountains, science and plankton - my favourite things. While I was making a cup of tea, I was pounced on by Gary Rushworth who took the opportunity to tell me about the 'Clear Waters' oral history project, which he was the project officer for a few years ago. And now I'm going to tell you about it, because I think it's pretty cool. The Clear Waters oral history project tells the story of lake Windermere over the past 50-60 years, through the memories of the people who have lived and worked there. I love this kind of history, based on memories, old photographs and stories; tales of floating hen houses, monster fish and ice skating on the lake. The project interviewed volunteers from four different groups of people: anglers and sport fishermen, local people involved in lake recreation, long term residents with an interest in wildlife or recreation and former employees and members of the Freshwater Biological Association. The project exhibited in and around Windermere but some extracts and information can be found on the project website. Comparing sizes - I bet she swapped the big fish she caught with his ... well done old chap you really outdid me there. One for the #distractinglysexy album It's interesting to hear people talk about their experiences of the lake but it also documents how FBA scientists and local residents have viewed the changes seen in the Windermere catchment since the Second World War, changes such as the loss of reedbeds and natural shore line, increases in boat moorings and changes related to climate such as reduced ice cover during the winter. These views, formed by their individual experiences of the lake help us understand the complex relationship between lakes and human activities. Understanding and quantifying the relationships between people and ecosystem services is an important step in making the most effective management decisions. Go check it out! Oi, cyanobacteria! Have you got anything to say about this ...
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AuthorI have managed to turn my rather unhealthy obsession with plankton in to my day job. Things don't get much better than this! This blog documents my PhD research and the plankton delights I encounter along the way. Archives
June 2016
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