The festive walkers met Neil Reeves Conservation Officer and Richard Smith Biodiversity Officer at Burrator Lodge at 11AM. As the walkers set off, snowing of various intensity started, bringing even more Christmas spirit to the breathtaking view around the reservoir.
During the walk Neil made several stops to explain more about the managed landscape around the reservoir. The walkers were given an introduction on the coppice managed fields around the lake, the history behind some of the abandoned farms in the surrounding forests, and some interesting facts about the "Potato Cave" originally carved to keep potatoes throughout the winter.
The one and a half hour walk on the forested part of the moorland lead the walkers to the snow covered plantation of young pine trees where the participants were able to choose and chop their own Christmas tree.
It was a nice surprise to warm up in the crisp air with some mulled wine - Neil Revees's secret recipe! The Christmas trees were collected on South West Lakes Trust's Land Rover trailer and carried back to the forestry yard opposite Burrator Lodge where the walkers were able to collect them so they didn't have to carry back the trees.

The walk back in the snow took another hour, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. This rare treat to see Burrator in such lovely Christmas dress made it a truly memorable event.