Bassenthwaite Lake

Infobox lake
lake_name = Bassenthwaite Lake
image_lake = Bassenthwaite Lake.jpg
caption_lake = View from Blackstock Point
image_bathymetry = Bassenthwaite Lakecrop.jpg
caption_bathymetry = Map (1925)
location = Lake District
coords = coord|54|39|N|3|13|W|region:GB_type:waterbody|display=inline,title
type =
inflow = River Derwent
outflow = River Derwent
catchment = convert|91.5|sqmi|km2|abbr=on
basin_countries = United Kingdom
length = convert|4|mi|km|abbr=on
width = convert|0.8|mi|abbr=on
area = convert|1.98|sqmi|abbr=on
depth = convert|70|ft|m|abbr=on
max-depth =
volume =
residence_time =
shore = convert|11.3|mi|abbr=on
elevation = convert|223|ft|m|abbr=on
islands = 0
cities =

Bassenthwaite Lake is one of the largest lakes in the Lake District of England. It is long and narrow, approximately convert|4|mi|km long and 3/4 mile wide, but is also extremely shallow, with a maximum depth of about convert|70|ft|m.

It is the only lake in the Lake District with 'lake' in its name, all the others being "waters" (for example, Derwent Water, Ullswater), "meres" (for example, Windermere, Thirlmere, Buttermere) or "tarns" (for example, Dock Tarn, Red Tarn). It is fed by, and drains into, the River Derwent. The lake lies at the foot of Skiddaw, near the town of Keswick. Some maps dating from the 18th century do in fact mark this lake with the name Bassenwater, and the use of name Broadwater for this lake is also attested.

The A66 dual carriageway runs roughly north/south along the western edge of the lake. With breathtaking views, the laybys are a popular spot for photographers and bird watchers looking for Osprey. The section running south towards Keswick was built on top of the old rail tracks leading to Penrith (Bassenthwaite station can still be seen to this day and is overgrown with trees - see Links). The section running north towards Workington was the original two-way road and can be an enjoyable drive if conditions allow.

Origin

Like the other Lake District lakes, Bassenthwaite Lake lies in a glacially eroded valley, left after the last glaciation. Bassenthwaite Lake is linked to Derwent Water by the River Derwent, which crosses the three mile (5 km) alluvial plain between the two lakes. There has been speculation that Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake were once one larger lake with the alluvial flats now separating them formed from partial infill of the original basin.

Biodiversity

The lake's catchment is the largest of any lake in the Lake District. This, along with a large percentage of cultivable land within this drainage area, allows Bassenthwaite Lake to be a fertile habitat.

The lake contains salmon, trout, pike, perch, minnow, dace, ruffe and eel, though the predominant species is roach which is believed to have been introduced in the form of discarded live-baits by visiting pike anglers. Also present is the vendace, in one of only two locations it can found in England.Cormorants have been known to fish the lake and herons can also be seen; at the turn of the 19th century there was a report of 60 nests in a heronry in nearby Wythop Woods. In 2001, Ospreys returned to nest by the lake, and have done so regularly since.

Threats

The lake currently faces problems which the "Bassenthwaite Restoration Project" is trying to address. These include erosion, pollution (especially phosphates which encourage algae formation), and a number of alien types of flora which are threatening to compromise local species.

Neolithic man

It has been reported that the wide gravel spreads between Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake provided the best centre within Lakeland for Neolithic farming communities. Stone axes have been found in the area and particularly at Mossgarth, Portinscale.

Trivia

It is said that the lake is home to the Eachy.

References

A Topographical Dictionary of England (1848)

External links

* [http://www.visitcumbria.com/kes/bassen.htm Bassenthewaite entry at VisitCumbria]
* [http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/bassenthwaite/home/index.php Bassenthwaite Restoration Project]
* [http://www.ospreywatch.co.uk/ Lake District Osprey Project]
* [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2003-01-15.88348.h/ Parliamentary questions and answers on pollution in the Lake]
* [http://www.ckpr.fsnet.co.uk/ Cockermouth, Keswick & Penrith Historic Rail Line]