Discovering local culture

Celebrating and engaging people with our built and social heritage.

Burrator Discovery Centre

Local culture and communities are highly valued at our lakes, be it local food, community history or the preservation of historic buildings. It is important to us and our local communities to ensure that these features remain for future generations to enjoy, explore and discover. We want to inspire people and communities to be involved in their special heritage.

Think of the lakes and you think of the modern water supply structures, but look closer and you’ll discover a long history of land use: Mesolithic man in the Wolf Valley at Roadford, ancient stones at Stithians near Redruth, hut circles and farmsteads at Fernworthy on Dartmoor, Drakes Leat supplying water to Plymouth from Burrator.

Did you know we also manage Wheal Martyn Clayworks in St Austell?
Visit the original Victorian china clay works and discover Cornwall's heritage; explore real-life stories, tools and machinery, and find out how Cornwall's largest mining industry still shapes our world today.

We want to uncover the rich history of our sites so local communities and visitors can understand Children at Longstone Manor Burrator what’s at the lakes. We want to inspire people and communities to be involved in their special heritage.

Help us to make sure our rich history and culture is preserved and remembered.

Wheal Martyn Clayworks

Latest

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.
Coronavirus update

On the 23 March in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and to adhere to government advice, we closed all recreational facilities at our lakes to help restrict the spread of this outbreak. This is without exception and includes all activity centres, campsites and visitor centres, cafes, angling facilities and car parks until further notice.

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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.
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.
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

On the 23 March in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and to adhere to government advice, we closed all recreational facilities at our lakes to help restrict the spread of this outbreak. This is without exception and includes all activity centres, campsites and visitor centres, cafes, angling facilities and car parks until further notice.
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.
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.
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.
Partners

Our partnerships with organisations throughout the South West are an important factor in the work we achieve and the projects we deliver.