Blue Green Algae

Blue Green Algae at Mere edge

Some of the meres suffer from toxic blue green algae and Ellesmere is one of them. This is naturally occurring but can be toxic to people and pets. Despite there being several signs displayed around the mere (and the appearance of the water being very off putting) I often see people happily allowing their dogs to drink.
Please be aware that the algae can cause skin and eye irritations and severe stomach upsets. I realise that many people have swum in the mere during these "blooms" without any harm - but I also know of dogs being prescribed strong antibiotics for extended periods after drinking the water. Last year there were canine deaths in the Lake District as several lakes there have similar outbreaks so do take care where the water looks like the above photo.