South West Lakes Trust was established as a charity in April 2000, to manage, provide and promote public access, recreation, and conservation on and around inland waters in the South West of England.
Around 2 million visits are made to sites managed by the Trust each year, many by visitors who come from outside the region.
South West Lakes Trust operates in the counties of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset and divides its work between charitable, administrative and trading activities as follows:
Charitable• Countryside Service
• Public access
• Education
• Conservation and management of forestry and land at fifty locations covering 5,000 hectares of land.
•
Administrative
• Central support in administration, marketing, finance, development and planning.
Trading
• Fisheries - 13 game & 14coarse
• Watersports - 5 training centres
• Catering, Functions and Gifts
Past Projects
Example case study: Porth Environmental Enhancements Project
In the spring of 2005 the Trust received confirmation of funding for the long-awaited Porth Reservoir Environmental Enhancements Project.
Porth Reservoir near Newquay is a designated Bird Sanctuary and a popular coarse fishery attracting a large number of anglers, in particular for competitions. The main aim of the project was to enhance facilities and to provide new access for both able and less-able visitors.
A variety of educational resources have been introduced to the Lake; including interpretation boards. Other aspects have included awareness raising days, the creation of a local schools partnership and guided walks to develop a Walking to Health programme.
A Porth Reservoir leaflet which includes information on walks is available from info@swlakestrust.org.uk or 01566 771930.
Access at the site has been vastly improved with installation of wheelchair-friendly fishing platforms and two bird hides. There are also improvements to the visitor centre and a nature trail with links to other footpaths in the area.
Funders of the Project include the Heritage Lottery Fund, Objective One (European Regional Development Fund), Cornwall County Council and Restormel Borough Council.
Other Projects
Since its inception in 2000 South West Lakes Trust has successfully secured a variety of funding from numerous awarding bodies, some other projects are listed below and further information is available in our annual reports and from Head Office on 01566 771930 or info@swlakestrust.org.uk
• Lopwell Local Nature Reserve
• Lakeside Function Suite & Visitor Centre, Roadford Lake
• Stithians Lake Angling and Watersports Centre
• West Devon and Dartmoor Sustainable Education Project
• Greenbridge
• Working Wonders for Wildlife
• Conservation Volunteers
• Working for a Cleaner Future
• Conservation Through Education & Knowledge
• Waste Management