Tracing the lines
Swimdermere is an immersive research project that traces the different bodily, socio-cultural, political, and ecological lines of open-water swimming and environmental health at Windermere, England’s largest lake. The research is supported by the Economic and Social Research Council, South West Doctoral Training Partnership, and the University of Exeter (Human Geography).
Research Focus
Swimdermere questions the relationships between open-water swimming and environmental health at Windermere, focusing on two popular designated bathing sites (Rayrigg Meadow and Millerground) over a full 12-month season (September 2022 – September 2023).
This immersive research project includes: (1) observing general swimming/lake activity and water/weather conditions, alongside recording the researchers personal swim responses; and (2) recording separate one-to-one ‘swimalong interviews’ with open-water swimmers.
Both recordings may include written diaries, photographs, audio, and videos.
How do I get Involved?
If you fancy taking part in a recorded conversation (on-land) or a swimalong interview, check out the participation information sheet by clicking the button below. For any other queries, please get in touch through the Contact page.
Recent Posts
Swimming through Winter
I am nearing the halfway point of my twelve-month fieldwork at Windermere. An inquiry that continues to spark reflection, concern, and a need for practising care with those we share these watery spaces with. There have been many highs within the project, but still, this research can be challenging. Sometimes exhausting. While excited by the […]
Swim-along Interviews
The summer months are now long behind us as swimmers and dippers adjust to the mighty bite of Windermere’s dropping temperatures. Fortunately, the colder waters have not completely curbed curiosity and participation in the swim-along interviews. A slight concern of mine before committing to the 12-month fieldwork at the Rayrigg Meadow and Millerground public bathing […]
A Year With Windermere
In a couple of weeks, I am due to begin my 12-month fieldwork at Rayrigg Meadow and Millerground at Windermere, two popular public bathing sites nested within the Lake District National Park. Spaces that I have grown increasingly warmer to over the past two years. During the first year of my PhD, I decided to […]
