Historic Seaplane Replica Takes Flight Over Lake District Waters
A historic seaplane replica has taken to the skies over Windermere, recreating an aviation milestone more than a century after the original.
The aircraft, known as Waterbird, was the centrepiece of the Wings Over Windermere aviation display staged at Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa. Spectators gathered to watch the replica perform flypasts above the Lake District waters, alongside an Aviat Husky seaplane taking part in the display.
The event provided an opportunity for visitors to see a reconstruction of an aircraft closely associated with Windermere's early aviation history. The display formed part of a wider effort to preserve and present the story of marine aircraft development pioneered on the lake during the early years of powered flight.
Waterbird has a direct connection with one of the most significant moments in early British seaplane development. In November 1911, the original aircraft became the first aeroplane outside France and the United States to successfully take off from and land on water, establishing Windermere as an important location in aviation history.
The historic achievement was linked to the work of Captain Edward Wakefield, a pioneer from Kendal who spent years experimenting with different float designs. His work led to the development and patenting of a stepped float, an innovation that helped the aircraft successfully operate from the surface of the lake.
The stepped float was particularly important because operating an aircraft from water presented technical challenges that early aviation pioneers were still attempting to overcome. Waterbird's successful use of the design represented a significant development and helped establish the aircraft's place in the history of seaplane technology.
The original aircraft also had a strong local connection through its construction. Its floats were produced by Borwick and Sons, boat builders based in Bowness-on-Windermere, demonstrating how local boatbuilding expertise contributed to the development of the early aircraft.
Waterbird's first successful flight from Windermere was made with Herbert Adams as its pilot. The aircraft subsequently completed numerous flights over the lake, helping to establish the area's connection with the development and operation of early seaplanes.
The modern replica has been created to keep that history alive and provide a working representation of the aircraft rather than simply displaying a static reconstruction. The Lakes Flying Company, a registered charity, was established to celebrate the marine aircraft developments associated with Captain Wakefield and Waterbird.
The charity's work includes supporting the construction, display and flight of the airworthy Waterbird replica. Its stated objectives also include educating the public about the early development of seaplanes and their activities around Windermere and the wider Lake District.
The recent display was held at Low Wood Bay, where the flight crew also met aviation enthusiasts following the flying programme. Visitors were able to learn more about the project and the work involved in bringing the historic design back into the skies above the lake.
The setting provided a particularly fitting backdrop for the aircraft, with spectators watching the replica against the Langdale Fells. English Lakes Hotels Resorts and Venues managing director Ben Berry described the flight display as a memorable sight and said the organisation was pleased to play a role in celebrating Windermere's aviation heritage.
The Lakes Flying Company chair Ian Gee also highlighted the significance of seeing the replica flying more than a century after the pioneering work of Wakefield and the original Waterbird. He said Wakefield had owned land beside the lake where he built a hangar and spent two years experimenting with different float designs.
The organisation's president, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, attended the display alongside Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale. Their attendance reflected the wider interest in a project combining aviation history, local heritage and the continuing preservation of Windermere's role in early seaplane development.
The latest flights add another chapter to the Waterbird story, allowing visitors to see an airworthy replica operating above the same lake associated with the original aircraft. The project continues to provide a practical way of presenting the history of early marine aviation while highlighting the contribution made by local pioneers and businesses.
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