News | South West Lakes Trust

Thousands of trees planted to support nature in Devon

Thousands of trees have been planted by volunteers near Roadford Lake, Devon, as part of Westcountry Rivers Trust’s (WRT) collaboration between environmental charities and businesses to improve water quality and habitat. Read more

Starry skies at Siblyback

On Saturday 22nd February, members of Caradon Observatory gave a fantastic talk about our Dark Skies at Siblyback Lake. Read more

Burrator News 36

News from Burrator for January and February. Read more

New CEO for South West Lakes Trust

In its 20th year, South West Lakes Trust is proud to announce the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer, James Platts. Read more

Partnership Project Commended at Pennon Environmental Awards

We are delighted to announce that our biosecurity partnership project received recognition at the Pennon Environmental Awards in 2019. Read more

Burrator News 35

December Monthly News Read more

Celebrating our champion volunteers

On 26 October, over 50 people, including trustees, employees, volunteers and Friends of South West Lakes, braved the wet and windy weather to attend South West Lakes Trust’s 19th annual Volunteers Celebration at Roadford Lake. Read more

Burrator News 34

November monthly newsletter Read more

Love your Lakes photo competition 2019 winners revealed

We are delighted to reveal the winners of the 2019 ‘Love your Lakes’ photo competition which ran from May to September, receiving over 180 entries. Read more

Latest

Introducing Nick Herbert - Senior Countryside Warden for Exmoor

Arriving at Wimbleball Lake’s breathtaking shores by way of the stormy cliffs of Lundy Island, my name is Nick Herbert and I love what I do. Leading a team who share my passion for conservation, I look after the Exmoor reservoirs of Wimbleball and Wistlandpound with an ever changing array of long and short term projects.

Love your Lakes Photo and Art Competition

We challenge you to escape into nature for a while, through art and pictures, and inspire us!

Harvest mouse survey training

When you’re lucky enough to volunteer for SWLT, you have enviable access to some free training opportunities, one being the harvest mouse survey training in late February. On a cold and wet day, a room of volunteers from different sites across the Trust enjoyed the view over Roadford Lake while being taught by Sarah, from Devon Mammal Trust.

Postgraduate Student Helping Combat Alien Invasions

Much of my role as Invasive Species Officer at South West Lakes Trust involves engaging with visitors to our lakes, volunteers, colleagues and fellow scientists, and finding ways to help control the spread and minimise the impacts of invasive species.

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Roadford Lake, Devon

Roadford Lake sits within the stunning surroundings of the Wolf Valley, close to Launceston on the Cornwall border. One of the biggest and busiest inland waters in the South West, the lake is surrounded by a variety of natural habitats, including Culm Grasslands, woodlands, old pastures and orchards.

Lopwell Dam, Devon

Lopwell Dam is a beautiful spot at any time of the year; the colours and views on display are simply breathtaking. Near Plymouth, the Local Nature Reserve is home to a varied range of wildlife, both in and out of the water. Delve into Lopwell’s long history (all the way back to the 13th century!), and learn about how this peaceful haven was once a busy river quay that served Plymouth and London, with a mineshaft used for mining lead and silver.

What we do

We are dedicated to the protection of the natural environment found at our lakes and are passionate about people from all walks of life being able to benefit from the wonderful countryside around our lakes. From walking and cycling to angling and watersports, we offer fantastic opportunities for great days out and regular visits for health and well-being, discovering and exploring at lakes across the south west of England.

Coronavirus update

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, and to adhere to government advice, all recreational facilities at our lakes are currently closed. We look forward to being able to welcome visitors back to the lakes when restrictions are lifted. If you can help to keep our work going by supporting us with a donation, please click the donate button above - thank you for your support.

Burrator, Devon

The jewel of Dartmoor, Burrator encompasses dramatic tors, open moorland, historic settlements and a Nature Reserve. Located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Burrator Reservoir offers a unique day out for families, nature enthusiasts, historians and Dartmoor lovers alike.

Our impact

We believe engaging with the natural environment enables people to grow. Our Purpose is to protect special places for people and wildlife. Our mission is more people having great experiences.

Argal and College, Cornwall

Located on the outskirts of Penryn in Cornwall, Argal and College reservoirs are a beautiful setting for a family day out.

Fernworthy, Devon

Near the idyllic village of Chagford, Fernworthy Reservoir is an archaeological jewel in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. Walk through meadows, woodland and moorland, and take in the fascinating cultural heritage of ancient stone cairns, Bronze Age hut circles and submerged clapper bridges, while enjoying beautiful lakeside views.