Your Lakes Devon Burrator 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. Discover the interplay between history and wildlife at Burrator Uncover history in the on-site Discovery Centre, which opened in 2014 as part of the Burrator Historic and Natural Environment project. See displays, spoken history and an interactive screen, engaging all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. Explore ample walks, history and wildlife; discover the ruins of abandoned farms, evidence of tin working, the remains of the Princetown Railway and a Site of Special Scientific Importance. Spot cists, cairns and prehistoric settlements. Keep an eye out for Dartmoor’s iconic ponies too! “The Discovery Centre, WOW, what a fab resource. We saw it in the early stages and the finished centre is so successful as a staging post for events. My children via school helped with the designs on the totem pole in the entrance, and they love having that link. I cannot speak highly enough of this building, steeped in history but brimming with up to date thinking and tech. A stunning location and backdrop for many an event I have attended.” The area is bursting with wildlife, colour and nature; nuthatches, robins, great tits, blue tits and Horeshoe bats are just some of the bird species that call Burrator home. Look down and spot a brilliant range of flora, such as bluebells, poppies, daffodils, primroses, ferns and Welsh poppies! Walking at Burrator With miles of paths and moorland to explore, including an easy access 1.5 km wildlife trail in the Arboretum suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, Burrator is the ideal location for both keen ramblers and those who simply want to enjoy a leisurely stroll and take in the stunning views. Watch in awe as water from the historic Devonport Leat cascades down the valley, finishing at Burrator in a waterfall. Don’t forget to take the camera and capture those special memories. Walk up to the water’s edge through woodlands and a wetland Nature Reserve. Navigate open moorland and explore one of Dartmoor’s most spectacular tors, Sheepstor, which dominates Burrator and offers one of the most impressive views of the reservoir. Pop into Burrator Discovery Centre to pick up a free map of the site, or buy one of our self-guided walk leaflets to enable you to explore the old farms, tin working areas, and railway in more detail. Parking is available at various locations including the Quarry car park, Norsworthy Bridge car park and the Arboretum car park. Donations boxes are available and we really appreciate your donations, however big or small, so that we can keep this special site maintained for your enjoyment. Click here for more walks. Click here to download our map before your next visit. Please note: There is no mobile phone reception around the reservoir. ‘Pay as you go’ (20p) public toilets have recently been opened and are situated next to the main dam, and an ice cream van is regularly based at the main dam and in the car park at Norsworthy Bridge on busy days. Fishing at Burrator Try a spot of rainbow trout fishing from bank or boat. Burrator is one of the most tranquil and picturesque natural angling venues in the South West. Find out more here. You can buy permits online or by using the self-service permit hut in the car park of the Discovery Centre. Discovery Centre Opening Times: The centre is currently closed Pop in to find out where to walk and learn about the history of this special area using the interactive exhibits. These dates are also displayed in the Discovery Centre window, at the entrance to the Discovery Centre car park, in the 5 site noticeboards around the Reservoir, on the Burrator page of the SWLT website, in the monthly Burrator E-Newsletter and in the paper copy newsletter in the Centre. Volunteering at Burrator: Please note all volunteering is currently postpone until further notice Love Burrator? Fancy giving something back? Then why not try volunteering at Burrator? There are lots of different volunteering projects to get involved in to suit your interests and time availability. These include: site maintenance, practical conservation and archaeological preservation projects, bat surveys, assisting with educational visits and family events, or as a visitor guide in the Discovery Centre, and much more. Full support, training and travel expenses provided. For some upcoming Practical Volunteering Days please see the below table for dates. We meet at Burrator Discovery Centre (PL20 6PE) for each day: 10am midweek and return about 3pm, OR we meet at 10.30am on Sundays and return about 3.30pm. Please wear outdoor clothing and and be ready for ‘all the seasons in a day’, and sturdy footwear. We can lend you a waterproof jacket and trousers, and wellington boots. Please also bring lunch and a drink. We will provide work gloves and the tools, hot drinks and biscuits. IF YOU DON’T HAVE YOUR OWN TRANSPORT AND HAPPY TO TRAVEL BY BUS: We can pick you up from Yelverton bus stop, but please e-mail the staff member for that day in advance, and aim to be at the bus stop by 9.40am to be picked up in our SWLT vehicle. At the end of the day please give your bus tickets to the staff member and they will photocopy your tickets and reimburse your bus fare. You will be dropped off at Yelverton bus stop for approximately 3.30pm. Midweek and Weekend Volunteering Group Dates: Please note all sessions are currently postponed Dates Times 2020 Tues 5 May (Sam) 10am - 3pm Mon 11 May (Sam) 10am - 3pm Sun 17 May (Emily) 10.30am - 3.30pm Fri 29 May (Emily) 10am - 3pm Tues 2 Jun (Sam) 10am - 3pm Mon 8 Jun (Sam) 10am - 3pm Sun 21 Jun (Emily) 10.30am - 3.30pm Fri 26 Jun (Emily) 10am - 3pm Tues 7 Jul (Sam) 10am - 3pm Mon 13 Jul (Sam) 10am - 3pm Sun 26 Jul (Emily) 10.30am - 3.30pm Fri 31 Jul (Emily) 10am - 3pm Tues 4 Aug (Sam) 10am - 3pm Mon 10 Aug (Sam) 10am - 3pm Sun 23 Aug (Emily) 10.30am - 3.30pm Fri 28 Aug (Emily) 10am - 3pm Tues 1 Sept (Sam) 10am - 3pm Mon 7 Sept (Sam) 10am - 3pm Sun 20 Sept (Emily) 10.30am - 3.30pm Fri 25 Sept (Emily) 10am - 3pm Tues 6 Oct (Sam) 10am - 3pm Mon 12 Oct (Sam) 10am - 3pm Sun 25 Oct (Emily) 10.30am - 3.30pm Fri 30 Oct (Emily) 10am - 3pm Tues 3 Nov (Sam) 10am - 3pm Mon 9 Oct (Sam) 10am - 3pm Sun 22 Nov (Emily) 10.30am - 3.30pm Fri 27 Nov (Emily) 10am - 3pm Tues 1 Dec (Sam) 10am - 3pm Mon 7 Dec (Sam) 10am - 3pm Sun 13 Dec (Emily) 10.30am - 3.30pm Fri 18 Dec (Emily) 10am - 3pm If you would like more information, please contact Emily at [email protected] or Sam at [email protected], ring 01822 855700 or pop into the Discovery Centre. Address: Burrator Discovery Centre, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6PE Telephone: 01822 855700 50.49864700 -4.04322830 1 /burrator 1. 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.Read more 50.78291770 -1.90933500 2 /longham-lakes 2. Longham Lakes, Bournemouth Longham Lakes, located close to the idyllic town of Ferndown in Dorset, offers a fantastic day out for the whole family. Take a leisurely stroll around the two lakes and spot an abundance of wildlife which call Longham their home. Relax on the shorelines and take part in a spot of fishing; join one of the many community clubs which use the site, or simply make the most of the amazing photo opportunities at the lakes.Read more 51.15969980 -3.93920660 3 /wistlandpound 3. Wistlandpound Reservoir, Exmoor Wistlandpound Reservoir, located on the edge of Exmoor National Park, is a haven for wildlife and provides a beautiful and tranquil setting for a woodland walk or a day spent in the great outdoors.Read more 51.06901980 -3.47484130 4 /wimbleball-lake 4. Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor Wimbleball is a hub of colour and activity throughout all the seasons. Nestled within the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park, there are plenty of ways to get active at Wimbleball. With an array of walking and cycling trails winding around the 530 acre site, and a fantastic range of watersports and other activities available, this is the perfect location to spend a day outdoors – whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging expedition.Read more 50.87566240 -4.42948430 5 /tamar 5. Tamar Lakes, Cornwall Surrounded by British countryside and nestled on the Cornwall and Devon border, Upper and Lower Tamar Lakes are steeped in industrial history and rich in flora and fauna. This is an idyllic to spot to set the imagination free, stretch your legs and enjoy the peace that comes from being near water.Read more 50.18826840 -5.21015090 6 /stithians 6. Stithians, Cornwall Stithians is the largest inland water in West Cornwall, with something for everyone to enjoy: from fishing to footpaths, wildlife to watersports, and café to camping, the lake is both a hub of activity and a peaceful escape.Read more 50.51373220 -4.49422470 7 /siblyback 7. Siblyback, Cornwall Surrounded by the striking backdrop of Bodmin Moor, Siblyback Lake lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). There is a beautiful 5km round lake circuit, which is perfect for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles. The path runs adjacent to the lake, and passes by the impressive Siblyback Dam and through woodlands.Read more 50.41952630 -5.00140250 8 /porth 8. Porth, Cornwall Nestled in a valley just outside of Newquay, Porth Reservoir is a beautiful destination for a family day out, a spot of birdwatching, or angling. A designated bird sanctuary and a paradise for birdwatchers, you might spot owls, woodpeckers and kingfishers flying around.Read more 50.62296180 -4.62083450 9 /crowdy 9. Crowdy, Cornwall Crowdy Reservoir lies within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on the northern tip of Bodmin Moor, designated for its fantastic habitats and associated wildlife. Located a few miles from Camelford, and near the North Cornwall coastal villages of Tintagel, Port Isaac and Boscastle, the reservoir is perfectly situated for a family day out.Read more 50.52963210 -4.58527670 10 /colliford 10. Colliford, Cornwall Colliford is Cornwall’s largest inland water, with a surface area of a whopping 900 acres – that’s about 682 football pitches! Located just off the A30, the lake is a couple of miles south of Jamaica Inn, the famous smugglers’ haunt immortalised by Daphne du Maurier.Read more 50.15040610 -5.13530600 11 /argal-and-college 11. 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.Read more 50.47216970 -3.86511980 12 /avon-dam 12. Avon Dam, Devon Avon Dam Reservoir is situated in beautiful open moorland on South Dartmoor – a wonderful location for some picturesque walks. To get to the reservoir, head to Shipley Bridge, where you will find car parking and toilet facilities with disabled access, provided by Dartmoor National Park.Read more 50.52301190 -3.85527240 13 /venford 13. Venford, Devon Venford Reservoir is a hidden jewel in the midst of the craggy hills of Dartmoor National Park. The coniferous woodland provides a sheltered area to explore the countryside; why not set out on a stroll, spot wildlife and take a picnic along?Read more 50.64630520 -3.69255640 14 /kennick-tottiford-trenchford 14. Kennick, Tottiford and Trenchford, Devon Discover a haven of history and beauty at three reservoirs on the eastern fringe of Dartmoor National Park. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding farmland, forests and water on a woodland walk. Follow some lovely off-road paths and footbridges; Trenchford and Tottiford are linked by a network of trails, culminating in a rugged round lake walk at Tottiford.Read more 50.70366760 -4.03921630 15 /meldon 15. Meldon, Devon Meldon is situated on Dartmoor National Park, approximately 900 feet above sea level, with stunning views over the Okement Valley. Explore open moorland, dramatic tors and a Scheduled Monument: boasting a special combination of industrial heritage, wildlife and nature trails, Meldon is the perfect location to enjoy a unique day outdoors.Read more 50.46540830 -4.15093110 16 /lopwell 16. 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.Read more 50.64110040 -3.88844200 17 /fernworthy 17. 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.Read more 50.68717380 -4.22962390 18 /roadford 18. 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.Read more