Active Outdoors

Our lakes provide an abundance of opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to engage with the outdoors and get active. We aim to provide great experiences, both on and off the water, which encourage our visitors to be active and healthy whilst enjoying time with friends and family.

Family Stand up paddleboarding
The health and well being benefits of spending time outdoors are well known and an increasingly important part of modern life. Research shows that green spaces have a key role to play in improving public health. This is why our role is important; we believe we can make a regional difference to our nation’s well being. Our lakes and their surrounding environments can benefit local communities by promoting exercise and positive social experiences, which in turn can improve physical and mental health.

Cycling at Roadford Lake

We are continually working to ensure the lakes are places everyone can access and enjoy, beyond taking part in traditional sports. There are fantastic watersports to try out, such as stand up paddle boarding, kayaking or sailing, opportunities to get into fishing and there are also plenty of foot and cycle paths in beautiful settings – the perfect platform for raising your heart rate in the fresh air.

Our Trustee champion, Malcolm Bell says
“As a sailor myself, I am keen to see more people being able to enjoy time afloat,
after all: there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”

Getting out and about

Over recent years, we have secured funds and donations to provide Wheely Boats at various locations. Designed for less able visitors, they enable less able people to access and enjoy being on the water. Working with the Wheely Boat Trust, several of our fisheries have these fantastic boats, which are also available to hire for visiting groups. Child on the new footpath at Fernworthy

We have also recently completed upgrades and extensions to some paths at Roadford Lake, including the creation of a cycle trail from the Activity Centre, which now links to the dam, enabling visitors to cycle between the café and forest to the activity centre and campsite, and vice versa.Working with Dartmoor National Park Authority, the paths at Fernworthy Reservoir have also been upgraded, including a wheelchair/pushchair accessible section.

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.

Vote for your favourite photo competition entry

It's time to have your say!
Join the team

Current vacancies
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.
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.
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.
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.

Our Trustee champion, Malcolm Bell says“As a sailor myself, I am keen to see more people being able to enjoy time afloat, after all: there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”

Getting out and about

Our Trustee champion, Malcolm Bell says
“As a sailor myself, I am keen to see more people being able to enjoy time afloat,
after all: there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”