South West Lakes and South West Water are mixing education with enjoyment in a new interactive visitor centre at Roadford Lake, designed to teach children and future generations about the value of water.

The Value of Water centre and dry-weather garden is a partnership project between South West Water and South West Lakes, located at Roadford Lake in Lifton, Devon.

Holding a massive 34,500 million litres of water, Roadford Lake is perfectly located on the border between Devon and Cornwall and is hugely popular with both the local community and tourists, welcoming over 250,000 visitors a year.

As well as being open to visitors at the lake, a South West Water educational and community officer will provide school visits and community talks, giving a hands-on experience for people of all ages, complementing South West Lakes’ I Love Water project which provides a wide range of learning opportunities focused on water sustainability.

Teaching visitors how to help combat current and future environmental challenges, the interactive centre promises excitement for children and the whole community. They can explore how South West Water tracks down leaks across the region with use of the latest technology, discover which water-saving hero they are, take a water-saving pledge, and take part in loads of fun activities.

Setting a new standard in the water industry, there’s the chance to learn about South West Water’s fascinating water history, the global impacts facing water, the amazing and diverse range of people who keep the taps running and toilets flushing, and so much more.

  

The centre was opened by South West Water’s Chief Executive, Susan Davy, who said: “I am thrilled to open our new educational centre. We look forward to welcoming schools and families from all parts of the greater South West.

“We all have a key role to play in protecting the natural environment and the Value of Water centre will teach young people and the future generation about the importance of looking after our precious environment in an entertaining and engaging way.”

James Platts, Chief Executive of South West Lakes, said: “I am thrilled to see the new Visitor Centre open to the public at Roadford Lake; by working with South West Water, we have transformed this space into a unique, interactive and accessible centre, which we hope will empower and inspire our visitors to take positive steps towards saving water and, in turn, help to care for our precious environment.

"South West Lakes’ charitable mission is centred around enabling current and future generations to engage with the environment in a sustainable and mutually beneficial way, and so we are excited to inspire and educate our communities, a variety of local groups, and visitors on this incredibly important issue.”

Our thanks to Truro based ABG Design and illustrator Charlotte Leadley; to Sue Fisher for garden design; R&M Landscaping for landscaping. 

About us 

We believe engaging with the natural environment enables people to grow. Our reservoirs and lakes are home to many wonderful animals and boast important habitats and built historic sites. We pride ourselves on enabling people of all abilities to enjoy these special locations by providing access both on and off the water. It’s your outdoors – come and explore.