WINDERMERE is England's largest lake and the sheer volume of water within it would suggest that it was safe from environmental damage.

This is not quite true because our population is rising and we also take more trips and holidays. There are queues for toilets, more and more eating establishments use more and more washing up liquid and pollution levels build up. United Utilities are doing a stirling job building treatment works.

All the Cumbrian lakes face the same problem and so do the lakes of the world. What is needed is a research establishment dealing with all aspects of fresh water biology.

Go to the ferry which operates between Bowness and the bank nearest to Hawkshead, sit and watch the wildlife while crossing on the ferry and look for what seems to be a hotel on the lake side. Until the late 1940s this was the Ferry Hotel but it is now the research laboratories of the Fresh Water Biological Association.

This is known throughout the world for the excellence of its research but also for its ability to explain complex science in a way which is understandable.

I met with Dr Roger Sweeting, a fish scientist who is also the chief executive of the FBA. From his office window I enjoyed a wonderful view of the lake. Later I counted six nationalities watching birds and boats on Windermere.

He told me of the wonderful library which explains the details of research done of every lake, every fish found in the area as well as the plants and other animal groups.

The FBA has, since its foundation in 1921, been independent. Anyone wishing to know more about it and its work should contact The Freshwater Biological Association, The Ferry House, Far Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0LP. Tel 015394 42468. Web site is www.fba.org.uk/index.html