Our impact

We believe engaging with the natural environment enables people to grow

Our purpose is to protect special places for wildlife and people. In summary our objectives are:

to protect and conserve the natural environment of land in our management
to provide access to informal and formal recreation for people of all abilities
to enable people to learn about our wildlife, habitats and the natural environment
to conserve and preserve built heritage

To read our full charitable objectives approved by the charity commission, please click through to Our objectives. Carry on to read about our passion - the reason we do what we do.

to reconnect children and their families with nature
to promote and deliver health and well being in the outdoors
to give people the opportunity to learn new skills and to gain employment
to care for and improve our natural environment
to celebrate and engage people with our built and social heritage

Our mission: More people having great experiences

Since our inception in 2000, we have delivered projects valued at over £12 million. These projects, working across the south west of England, have been of benefit to people of all ages and abilities, local communities and the natural and built heritage found around the lakes. With this external funding, we have been able to benefit the public and environment by investing funds, community volunteer time and our passion into making the lakes what they are today. Read our 2018 - 2019 Highlights here.

Cycling at Wimbleball Lake In 2017 we welcomed over 2 million visits to our lakes, with visitors enjoying a whole host of activities to benefit their health and well-being, including walking, cycling, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, angling and simply being close to the water.

Awards

In 2014 we were awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise under the ‘Sustainable Development’ category for the second time, and four of our flagship lakes hold ‘Gold’ awards under the Green Tourism Scheme.

We were delighted to receive two environmental awards in 2017:

Our environmental work at Crowdy Reservoir to further improve a Site of Special Scientific Interest was highly commended at the Cornwall Sustainability Awards
Our partnership work with South West Water on Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) was placed first in the Pennon Environment Awards

2018 saw us gain a further two awards: a long standing bat monitoring project at Burrator Reservoir came first in the Pennon Environment Awards and we were extremely proud to be awarded Gold Investors in People.

Our impact

4,600 young people benefited from outdoor environmental activities in 2018
We delivered over 140,000 on-water and land activity sessions, contributing to the health and well-being of south west residents
We manage nearly 5,000 hectares of land. This includes woodlands, meadows, hedgerows and ponds all of high importance to a variety of wildlife such as bats, dormice, otters, pollinators and many other species
Nearly 90 miles of footpaths and cycle ways maintained for everyone's enjoyment, health and well-being

Join us

Play a part in what we achieve by joining us and becoming a Friend of South West Lakes Trust
Support our on-going conservation and education work by setting up a regular donation
Help us reach ambitious targets by donating to a current appeal
Volunteering your time and skills
Tell us about your favourite lake and experience

Latest

Giving Tuesday Now

On Tuesday 5 May are will be joining charities from across the work for Giving Tuesday Now. A day of generosity and support for our charities in response to the unprecedented need caused by Covid-19.
Hunt for reservoir photos and memorabilia

Do you have photos that show how the different areas looked before the reservoirs were built? Or, do you have any stories or memories of living in the area at that time that you would be willing to share?
Cornwall Reptile and Amphibian Group working with South West Lakes Trust

Often overlooked and misunderstood, our native reptiles and amphibians are a vital part of the food chain as both predators and prey. The sites we manage provide vital habitats for these animals so it is important to know where our frogs, toads, lizards and snakes are, so we can help protect them, their habitats and the other species which depend on them.
Things to do at home

We know how important play is for children (and adults), especially when we are all at home. Here are some suggestions for activities that provide a bit of fun, time well-spent together, and ideas to get moving about in your garden.

Coronavirus update 20/05/2020

In line with government guidance to continue to stay home but enjoy more time outdoors we have commenced our phased re-opening of the lakes. We urge visitors to stay alert and be prepared for their visit Read more here.
Have you fallen in love with a lake?

Find out more about the lakes in the south west, plan a visit or support our work
Our Campaigns

We believe engaging with the natural environment enables people to grow

Vote for your favourite photo competition entry

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Join the team

Current vacancies
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.
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.
Visit the Lakes

Venture around the beautiful lakes of the South West by foot, bike and paw; explore miles of footpaths and trails, whilst taking a moment to appreciate the peaceful beauty of water, woodland and forestry. The lakes are an idyllic setting for a family day out in Cornwall, Devon and on Exmoor. Partake in a spot of adventure off the water; there are plenty of fantastic things to do as a family, and some of the best, most memorable days cost absolutely nothing (except a small car parking charge!