Updated: The Lake at Fforest Fields

DUCK MITE 2025

So, what’s the current situation?

To date, we’ve had no reported cases of Duck Mite this season. The water’s had plenty of use already and everything’s been calm and clear. That said, we did experience a number of cases in 2024, and conditions, warm, settled, shallow water, can sometimes favour the parasites that cause the issue.

So while there’s no indication of a problem this year, we’re taking the same open approach: giving you the facts, and letting you decide how you want to enjoy the lake.

What is Duck Mite?

Duck Mite is a naturally occurring freshwater parasite found in lakes and ponds across the UK. It can cause a rash or itching where the parasite has come into contact with the skin, most often in the shallows, where the water is warmer.

It doesn’t affect everyone, and it doesn’t pose a serious risk to health, but it can be irritating, particularly for young children or those with sensitive skin.

How to reduce the risk of irritation

We want to be upfront: there may be no Duck Mite in the lake at all. It’s a natural body of water, and at this stage in the season, we’ve had no reports or signs of any issues.

There is no easy way to test for Duck Mite, so we will continue to encourage caution.

We’re sharing this information so you can make your own choices and swim in a way that feels comfortable for you.

Here are a few things that some guests have found helpful in reducing the chance of irritation when swimming in our wild water:

Avoid spending too long in the shallows, where the water tends to be warmer and still

Towel off immediately after getting out of the lake

Have a shower when you can after swimming

Bring an antihistamine - some wild swimmers take antihistamine before swimming, or at least to be taken if there are any signs or irritatio

Wearing a wetsuit or long-sleeve swimwear may help reduce skin exposure

Applying a barrier cream or waterproof sunscreen before getting in can sometimes help

Keep swims short, especially on hot, still days

Everyone responds differently, and not everyone will react if it is present, but we hope this gives you what you need to make more of an informed decision.

And what about dogs?

We get asked this a lot. My own dogs are in the lake most days and have never had any issues. That said, a couple of campers last year did mention their dogs seemed a bit itchy after a swim in 2024. As with humans, reactions vary and as any dog owner knows, all sorts of things can cause irritation.

So we suggest you use your own judgement and keep an eye out, just as you would anywhere else in nature.

If you do experience symptoms

The most common symptoms are itching, a light rash, or small raised spots. These usually resolve within a few days, and you can treat them with:

Antihistamines like Piriton

Eurax cream, calamine lotion, or another anti-itch cream

Cold compresses or a baking soda paste

You probably won’t need to see a doctor, unless scratched skin becomes infected, but always seek advice if you're unsure.

Your Choice

We aren’t here to put you off. We swim in the lake ourselves, and we know what a gift it is to be able to swim in fresh, spring-fed water under open skies. But wild water is wild, and we all need to approach it with the same respect as we give to the land around us.

We’re really pleased to report that no cases of Duck Mite have been reported following a busy VanFam Weekend here at Fforest Fields.

With families swimming, paddling, and playing in the lake, it’s encouraging to see that there are no evidence and/or the precautions seem to be working. While we’re never complacent when it comes to water safety, this is a really positive sign.

As we head into the May Half Term, we’ll continue to take a cautious approach and ask everyone to stick to the following guidelines when enjoying the lake:

• • Avoid playing or sitting in the shallow edges of the water for long periods

  • Towel off thoroughly after swimming

  • Take a shower as soon as you can after being in the lake

These small actions make a big difference. We’ve spent years working with nature, not against it, and enourage everyone using the lake to remember it is a natural, spring-fed body of water.

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Update April 2025

With the Easter holidays behind us and the May Bank Holiday approaching, we’re happy to share that the lakes here at Fforest Fields have stayed beautifully clear and inviting, and still no reports of Duck Mite this season.

We’ve had lots of little feet in the water over Easter, paddleboards back in action, and wild swimmers, and we’re really grateful to everyone who’s been following our gentle precautions. 

Here’s a quick reminder of our current advice:

• • Avoid lingering in the shallows, where parasites are more likely to be

  • Towel off thoroughly after being in the lake

  • Have a shower as soon as you’re able after swimming

It’s worth remembering that our lake is a natural, spring-fed body of water. It’s a beautiful and vital part of the ecosystem here, and we treat it with respect. We know how special it is to be able to swim in water like this, and your care helps us protect that magic.

We’ll continue to monitor things and update you as we head towards the anniversary of our first cases in 2024.

ADVICE 2024