Lake Bassenthwaite is home to rare species of fish

Bassenthwaite Lake has serious water quality problems and managers said the community needs to work together if the water is to be restored.

An announcement on the �2.5m bid is due to be made in October and managers said it would mean a range of pioneering initiatives could be put in place.

The situation is to be highlighted on Water Heritage Day on 10 September.

Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration Programme manager John Pinder said: "We hope Water Heritage Day on 10 September will emphasise the importance of people working together and highlight the fact that water is a particularly important part of our landscape heritage."

'Capturing imagination'

Sixty years ago, the lake had clean water but since World War II, high levels of fertiliser have started to seep into the lake.

The resulting algae and high levels of sediment falling into the lake have taken their toll on the water quality and wildlife.

Eggs from endangered vendace fish were taken from Bassenthwaite to a lake in Scotland in an attempt to reintroduce them there.

Mr Pinder said: "We have drawn up an exciting, ground-breaking three-year programme with the aim of capturing the public's imagination and support.

"With Heritage Lottery Fund backing we are confident we can appeal to large numbers of people in 18 separate projects."