Banner image: SWW archives

“Water is a precious resource, which we must conserve to safeguard our habitats and wildlife for the future!”

This is the message behind our new two year ‘I Love Water Project’, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and South West Water.

To share this message, we are looking to deliver an exciting programme of learning for schools and other youth groups, themed family activity days and practical volunteering at six of our reservoirs: Siblyback, Burrator, Trenchford, Roadford, Wimbleball and Longham Lakes.

One of our main themes for the school visits will be for pupils to become a ‘scientist for the day’; they will learn about the history of the water supply and construction of the reservoirs, treatment of water and how we can conserve it.

To help us do this, do you have photos that show how the different areas looked before the reservoirs were built? Or, do you have any stories or memories of living in the area at that time that you would be willing to share?

Emily Cannon, Community and Learning Officer, said, "Through my own experience in the Burrator Historic and Environment Project, I always found that having photos and oral history records brought history to life, and helped pupils and site visitors understand how the area looked and any possible impacts that resulted."

If you have something to lend us or have a story to share, we would love to hear from you. Please email us at [email protected]

Thank you!