Category Archives: Other

Final Programme – Mirrors of Change: Reflections on Irish Lakes, Past, Present & Future

UK & Ireland Lakes Network (UKILN) Conference 2025 14–15 October | Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Join us in Killarney on 14–15 October 2025 for the UK and Ireland Lakes Network (UKILN) Annual Conference, themed “Mirrors of Change: Reflections on Irish Lakes Past, Present and Future”. This two-day event hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency brings together individuals and organisations passionate about the protection, restoration, and celebration of lakes and their catchments.

Conference Programme

What to Expect:

Expect a dynamic programme of talks, workshops, field visits, and networking opportunities, all set against the stunning backdrop of Killarney National Park.

  • Inspiring keynote speakers and expert-led sessions
  • Field trips to local lake and catchment sites
  • Opportunities to share projects, research, and ideas
  • A welcoming, collaborative atmosphere for all attendees

Who Should Attend: 

Open to anyone with an interest in lakes and freshwater environments—community groups, researchers, citizen scientists, policy-makers, environmental NGOs, and more.

  • Session 1: Lough Leane & Kerry Lakes – Explore local lakes through the lens of water quality, conservation, and human impact.
  • Session 2: Lake Restoration – Hear about ongoing restoration efforts across Ireland and beyond.
  • Session 3: Citizen Science – Discover how individuals and communities are making a difference.
  • Session 4: Reflections – Insights from long-time lake experts, ending with a relaxed fireside chat.

Wednesday, 15 October – Fieldtrip to Lough Leane & Muckross Lake – Killarney National Park

Why attend? 

 · Engage with key stakeholders and experts in the field. 
· Contribute to the conservation and enhancement of our still waters and beautiful landscapes. 
· Network with like-minded professionals dedicated to environmental sustainability. 

Lakes are under pressure and will be increasingly so as the climate changes. Lakes are also receiving increasing public and media attention to galvanise action. This event is an opportunity to bring people together in a collaborative forum to connect and share best practices to build capability and form relationships which can provide on-going peer support.  

Accommodation  

Please note that a limited number of discounted delegate rooms are available at the conference venue, Killarney Plaza Hotel, on a first come, first serve basis.

Rates: Single occupancy – €149, Double occupancy – €159.

After registering for the conference, you’ll receive a promotional code. Delegates can then use this code to book their rooms online at the Killarney Plaza Hotel and access the special offer.

Killarney Plaza Hotel https://www.killarneyplaza.com/

Join us in Killarney on 14–15 October 2025 for the UK and Ireland Lakes Network (UKILN) Annual Conference, themed “Mirrors of Change: Reflections on Irish Lakes Past, Present and Future”. This two-day event hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency brings together individuals and organisations passionate about the protection, restoration, and celebration of lakes and their catchments.

What to Expect:

Expect a dynamic programme of talks, workshops, field visits, and networking opportunities, all set against the stunning backdrop of Killarney National Park.

  • Inspiring keynote speakers and expert-led sessions
  • Field trips to local lake and catchment sites
  • Opportunities to share projects, research, and ideas
  • A welcoming, collaborative atmosphere for all attendees

Who Should Attend: 

Open to anyone with an interest in lakes and freshwater environments—community groups, researchers, citizen scientists, policy-makers, environmental NGOs, and more.

  • Session 1: Lough Leane & Kerry Lakes – Explore local lakes through the lens of water quality, conservation, and human impact.
  • Session 2: Lake Restoration – Hear about ongoing restoration efforts across Ireland and beyond.
  • Session 3: Citizen Science – Discover how individuals and communities are making a difference.
  • Session 4: Reflections – Insights from long-time lake experts, ending with a relaxed fireside chat.

Wednesday, 15 October – Fieldtrip to Lough Leane & Muckross Lake – Killarney National Park

Why attend? 

 · Engage with key stakeholders and experts in the field. 
· Contribute to the conservation and enhancement of our still waters and beautiful landscapes. 
· Network with like-minded professionals dedicated to environmental sustainability. 

Lakes are under pressure and will be increasingly so as the climate changes. Lakes are also receiving increasing public and media attention to galvanise action. This event is an opportunity to bring people together in a collaborative forum to connect and share best practices to build capability and form relationships which can provide on-going peer support.  

Accommodation  

Please note that a limited number of discounted delegate rooms are available at the conference venue, Killarney Plaza Hotel, on a first come, first serve basis.

Rates: Single occupancy – €149, Double occupancy – €159.

After registering for the conference, you’ll receive a promotional code. Delegates can then use this code to book their rooms online at the Killarney Plaza Hotel and access the special offer.

Killarney Plaza Hotel https://www.killarneyplaza.com/

Hosted by

Supported by

Phoslock Water Solutions UK Ltd is a subsidiary of Phoslock Environmental Technologies, a world leading Australian-based company specialising in water treatment solutions. Established in 1997 to address rising concerns over fresh water quality and environmental sustainability, the UK branch focuses on providing technologies for the management of phosphorus in water bodies. Their proprietary flagship product, Phoslock, is a patented material designed to safely and permanently bind and immobilise phosphorus, mitigating issues of eutrophication and HABs in ponds, lakes and reservoirs. With an emphasis on eco-friendly practices, Phoslock Water Solutions UK Ltd aims to safely enhance water quality, support aquatic ecosystems, and promote sustainable water management across the United Kingdom and Europe. 

Registration Open – UKILN Conference 14-15 October, Killarney, County Kerry

UK & Ireland Lakes Network (UKILN) Conference 2025 14–15 October | Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Join us in Killarney on 14–15 October 2025 for the UK and Ireland Lakes Network (UKILN) Annual Conference, themed “Mirrors of Change: Reflections on Irish Lakes Past, Present and Future”. This two-day event brings together individuals and organisations passionate about the protection, restoration, and celebration of lakes and their catchments.

Expect a dynamic programme of talks, workshops, field visits, and networking opportunities, all set against the stunning backdrop of Killarney National Park.

Conference Schedule:

  • Tuesday, 14 October – Presentations & Discussions – more speaker information to follow in August
  • Wednesday, 15 October – Fieldtrip (Details to follow)

What to Expect:

  • Inspiring keynote speakers and expert-led sessions
  • Field trips to local lake and catchment sites
  • Opportunities to share projects, research, and ideas
  • A welcoming, collaborative atmosphere for all attendees

Who Should Attend: Open to anyone with an interest in lakes and freshwater environments—community groups, researchers, policy-makers, environmental NGOs, and more.

  • Session 1: Lough Leane & Kerry Lakes – Explore local lakes through the lens of water quality, conservation, and human impact.
  • Session 2: Lake Restoration – Hear about ongoing restoration efforts across Ireland and beyond.
  • Session 3: Citizen Science – Discover how individuals and communities are making a difference.
  • Session 4: Reflections – Insights from long-time lake experts, ending with a relaxed fireside chat.

Wednesday, 15 October – Fieldtrip (Details to follow)

Save the Date! UKILN annual event 14-15 October, Killarney

UK & Ireland Lakes Network (UKILN) Conference 2025 14–15 October | Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland This year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA Ireland) is proud to host the UKILN Conference in Killarney. The 2025 theme is “Mirrors of Change: Reflections on Irish Lakes Past, Present and Future.” This marks the third time Ireland has hosted the UKILN Conference. It also commemorates key milestones:
    • 50 years since the first national survey of Irish lakes
    • 40 years since the first State of the Environment report
    • The recent 2024 release of Lakes in Ireland – Mirrors of Change
The conference offers a chance to reflect on the past, assess current conditions, and explore the future of Irish lakes. Conference Schedule Tuesday, 14 October – Presentations & Discussions:
    • Session 1: Lough Leane & Kerry Lakes – Explore local lakes through the lens of water quality, conservation, and human impact.
    • Session 2: Lake Restoration – Hear about ongoing restoration efforts across Ireland and beyond.
    • Session 3: Citizen Science – Discover how individuals and communities are making a difference.
    • Session 4: Reflections – Insights from long-time lake experts, ending with a relaxed fireside chat.
Wednesday, 15 October – Fieldtrip (Details to follow)

Invitation to Quote: Consultant for UKILN Charitable Structure Review

The UK and Ireland Lakes Network (UKILN) is seeking a consultant to help review and assist the transition to a different charitable or non-profit structure. As UKILN continues to grow, we aim to adopt a more flexible, sustainable governance model that enables wider funding access, stronger partnerships, and long-term resilience in our freshwater conservation efforts.

Why Now?

Our current Charitable Trust structure has served us well, but it limits our ability to expand our impact. A review of our legal framework will help ensure UKILN can better engage with stakeholders, secure funding, and strengthen our role in freshwater conservation.

Scope of Work

The appointed consultant will:

  • Assess alternative governance and funding models (e.g., CIOs, CICs, CLGs).
  • Facilitate stakeholder engagement to refine UKILN’s strategic direction.
  • Develop a transition roadmap, ensuring compliance and sustainability.
  • Provide guidance on securing diverse funding sources.

How to Apply

We invite proposals from experienced consultants with expertise in charity governance, funding models, and stakeholder engagement. The budget for this work is up to a maximum of £12,000 (including VAT, if applicable). Evaluation of submissions will focus on quality, cost and added value.

Deadline for submissions: 12:00 (midday) Wednesday 7th May 2025

For full details and how to apply, please download the consultant brief here and please refer to the Supporting Documents and FAQ’s below.

Supporting Documents (four downloadable pdf’s)

For any further queries, please contact: Dan Hoare, UKILN Chairdan.hoare@broads-authority.gov.uk


Frequently Asked Questions (these will not be updated beyond Friday 2nd May)

  1. What kind of asset base is UKILN operating with?

UKILN does not currently have a diverse asset base or complex governance structure. The only current asset is cash which until 2025 had not gone over the £5K per annum threshold, hence the need to move to a new, compliant structure.

  1. What is the expected depth of strategic planning?

We have referred to a high-level business plan over 5 years. What we mean by this is a short strategic plan, including charitable objectives, identifying beneficiary groups and how UKILN would fund and deliver its activities. We are not looking for an in-depth business plan with detailed financial breakdowns.

  1. How is this work expected to be carried out?

We expect most of this work to be completed remotely. We are looking at whether an in-person meeting is possible during the development stage in Phase 1. Please price costs for a half day in-person facilitated workshop to be held in the English Midlands, e.g. Nottingham.

  1. What is the expected scale and the style of stakeholder engagement?

In Phase 1 the stakeholder engagement is to better understand the operating landscape for UKILN, for example in terms of a SWOT analysis, and to inform the refresh of the vision, mission, mandate etc. We would like the consultant to prioritise stakeholder involvement (e.g. stakeholder mapping) and to develop a simple engagement plan. Some of the engagement could be delivered by UKILN to feed into this stage.

In Phase 2 the stakeholder engagement can be a short, online process with a small, prioritised stakeholder group.

  1. How can the assistance with transition to the new structure be priced when the outcome is not yet known?

For Phase 3, please provide a day rate and quantify how many days to carry out two options; one for a simple transition and a second for a more complex structure.

6. Have you considered other non-profit structures such as the co-operative community benefit society model, or collaborative working with existing organisations?

Yes, we would be interested in looking into the benefits of both of these.


Help shape the future of UKILN and freshwater conservation! We look forward to your proposals.

Summary of UK and Ireland Lakes Network Conference 2023

Urgency, Innovation and Collaboration for Lakes, Lochs & Wetlands

The Seven Lochs Partnership hosted the 2023 UK and Ireland Lakes Network Conference in Glasgow on 10th and 11th October.

Over two days delegates experienced a trio of thought provoking site visits in the Seven Lochs Wetland Park and Strathclyde Country Park, and received a series of papers which provided:

  • European context: climate change impacts on lakes and water systems,
  • progress with sustainable urban drainage retrofitting in Glasgow through the City Deal,
  • a range of examples of partnership and collaborative working and community engagement with lakes, and;
  • lightening talks on tools for lake management.

John Pinder, Chair of the UK and Ireland Lakes Network in summing up said

“The site visits and papers have reflected the theme of the conference ‘Urgency, Innovation and Collaboration’, and delegates have had the opportunity to make new and rekindle existing connections with others working on lakes. Many thanks to all those who supported, hosted and attend the conference for making it a success”.

Conference presentations:

The UK and Ireland Lakes Network Conference 2022

Lakes and their restoration – opportunities for nature recovery and people: Cheshire, June 22.

A multi-sector audience of environmental NGOs, practitioners, academics, researchers and statutory agencies gathered providing a great opportunity to learn and share experience on:

  • The role of lakes in the context of nature recovery networks, landscape and catchment scale restoration
  • Engagement of citizens in understanding lakes
  • How lake restoration is being delivered across England

Tony Juniper – Chair of Natural England opened the conference with a keynote paper describing his own fascination with lakes and making the case for wider collaboration to create a more sustainable future for lakes.

Conference presentations:

The second day was based around two field visits to internationally designated lakes in Cheshire, Hatchmere and Tatton Mere, to see and hear about issues affecting them, and discuss solutions implemented for their restoration. Including the introduction of beavers, restoring the hydrological regime, altering fish assemblages and improving water quality.

Feedback from the event:

“I am much more inspired to do stuff on lakes”

“It reinforced the importance of focusing on lakes as well as rivers”

“Meeting face to face – changed views”

“I liked the full day of talks, it made it easier to get funding to come”

“I got a big dollop of CPD out of it!”

“The best training I have had since joined organisation”

“The importance of networking is harder to quantify”

Event sponsors

Many thanks to Iolight and Aquatic solutions UK for supporting the event

Get in touch

If you would like to find out more about attending, or being involved in our next event please get in touch: info@ukandirelandlakes.org

Bloomin’ blanket weed! Call for participation in algae and lake management questionnaire

blanket weed

My name is Hannah Kemp and I am a PhD researcher at the University of Nottingham working in partnership with the National Trust.

Hannah Kemp

Across the UK, many freshwater ecosystems are experiencing more frequent and widespread blooms of filamentous macroalgae, more commonly known as blanket weed. The formation of thick mats on lake and pond surfaces have the potential to cause major ecological damage as well as look unsightly and prevent leisure activities and conservation.

As part of my research, I have created a questionnaire to investigate the occurrence, impact and management of blanket weed algal blooms in UK freshwater bodies.

The questionnaire should be carried out by people who manage or work with UK freshwater lakes/ponds and have a good knowledge of the site. If you would be interested in taking part in this research or could help facilitate the distribution of the questionnaire in your organisation here is a link: https://nottingham.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/blanket-weed-questionnaire

By participating in this questionnaire, you will be helping put together a UK wide dataset about blanket weed algal blooms to better understand the scale of the problem. Your answers will also help inform research into how best to manage blanket weed blooms whilst maintaining good ecological status and lake amenity value. Answers about waterbodies that do NOT experience blanket weed blooms are just as important!

If you want to chat more or have any questions or ideas please email me on hannah.kemp@nottingham.ac.uk thank you!

Last call for UK & Ireland Lakes Network 2017 conference registrations

DSC_0138.jpgUKILN conference field trip 2016, delegates at Thirlmere.

Join us for our annual conference and networking event on 24th and 25th April at Linlithgow to focus on urban loch, lake and lough management.

It will be a fantastic opportunity to be inspired by others working on stillwaters across the UK and Ireland. You will meet others and network, be able to share best practice and challenges, and perhaps form the beginnings of new partnerships.

The format this year is a half day field trip around Linlithgow on Monday, followed by the conference meal. We then have an exciting programme of presentations and discussion on Tuesday find the full programme here.

We are still open for last minute registrations online here.

WaterPro Seminar Invitation

WaterPro: You are invited to an international seminar on

‘Bioremediation to manage runoff from Agriculture, Mining & Landfills Seminar’ 

Wednesday 10th May 2017
Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny, Donegal, Ireland
From 9am – 1pm

WaterPro May17 Seminar image

WaterPro: The overall goal of WaterPro is to develop eco-efficient tools and models for good water quality management and protection for the Northern Periphery sparsely populated area.

Donegal County Council are partners in the Interreg VB Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme WaterPro Project which will develop eco-efficient tools and models for water and storm runoff management practices and environmental protection.

As part of the exchange of knowledge on the project Donegal County Council are hosting a free to attend seminar: Bioremediation to manage runoff from Agriculture, Mining & Landfills.

Presentations will focus on sustainable methods of treating runoff and polluted waste waters.

There will also be a site visit to Churchtown Landfill site, Lifford which has been restored and uses a combination of an irrigated willow plantation and integrated constructed wetlands to treat leachate before it enters the River Finn. Please note PPE is required for the site visit.

This event is free of charge and those with an interest in the environment, agriculture or mining are most welcome.

Click on this link to view the agenda and register today for the seminar.

 

(For those travelling the Clanree Hotel will offer a special price of €72 B&B single occupancy, reference WaterPro at time of booking)

Full details on http://www.water-pro.eu/

https://www.facebook.com/waterproproject/

https://twitter.com/waterproeu