Victory!
It is with great pleasure I can announce that United Utilities will NOT be draining Cogra Moss and are looking at options for completing the engineering work on the dam!

You can read the official statement from United Utilities here: http://s16.postimg.org/gretu5sbp/Cogra_Moss_briefing_note_Page_1.jpg

The campaign:
Cogra Moss (an iconic beauty spot in the Lake District) is at risk of being drained, emptied and turned into a swamp. Though it hasn't been announced as a definite outcome yet, this proposal is currently being considered as one of the options United Utilities will carry out on the lake at the end 2015, throughout 2016 to be completed in 2017.

The area is used by a vast array of visitors including anglers (Cogra Moss has been a fishery since the 1970s), pony trekkers, dog walkers, ramblers and tourists alike. It is also a place where I (and I imagine many other locals and visitors) have very fond memories.

People have already been urged to contact local MPs, press and to John McAdam (Chairman of United Utilities). A petition alongside individual correspondences cannot be easily ignored and makes United Utilities aware of the public's opinion before wielding the power to change the landscape. Let's let United Utilities know exactly how feel about this, and ensure that Cogra Moss remains an area of beauty in the Lake District. Please forward and share this petition where you can.

Further reading:

• Friends of Cogra Moss Facebook page (for the latest updates): https://www.facebook.com/friendsofcogramoss?fref=ts
• Times & Star article: http://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/people/MPs-called-in-to-Cogra-Moss-campaign-bfa33ed8-7312-48ed-8e25-bc9af51017aa-ds
• News and Star article: http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/campaign-launched-to-stop-reservoir-being-turned-into-swamp-1.1224702

Photo credit: MyWhitehaven.ne