Our impact

By 2030:

Our managed landscapes will be abundant, diverse, and connected
Lives will be enhanced from experiencing the outdoors
Recognised as a regional and national exemplar for promoting conservation and recreation and managing the balance between them

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

South West Lakes cares for natural and historic environments, providing health, social and wellbeing benefits for individuals and communities

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 2020 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.

Join us - #ItsYourOutdoors

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

Reflecting on a busy summer at Burrator

It has been wonderful to welcome back volunteers and visitors at Burrator this summer after the restrictions of the last 18 months.
Family Astro Party at Wimbleball Lake

Join Exmoor National Park's rangers, education officers and astronomer Jo Richardson for a fun indoor and outdoor family orientated astro event at Wimbleball Lake, as part of the Dark Sky Festival on Saturday 6 November.
Astronomy Lecture at Wimbleball Lake

Join us at Wimbleball Lake Activity Centre on Monday 1 November at 7pm for an astronomy lecture run by Exmoor National Park, as part of their Dark Sky Festival.
Funding secured for new play area at Roadford Lake

Work to create a new play area at Roadford Lake near Okehampton will start early next year, thanks to generous funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, South West Water and South West Lakes and our supporters.

Have you fallen in love with a lake?

Find out more about the lakes in the south west, support our work or plan a visit. #ItsYourOutdoors, come and explore.
Welcoming dogs to our lakes safely

We welcome responsible dogs owners and their dogs at our lakes across the south west.
Become a Friend of South West Lakes

Become a Friend of South West Lakes to support our work caring for the lakes you love, and receive free car parking at all of our lakes for a year. #ItsYourOutdoors, come and explore.
Our Campaigns

We believe engaging with the natural environment enables people to grow. Find out about the campaigns that underpin our work.

Equipment Hire

Experience the ultimate family adventure by exploring the lakes at your own pace. We have a variety of watersports equipment available to hire including; kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards and more.
South West Lakes Booking Confirmation

Thank you for your South West Lakes booking. You’ll receive a confirmation email shortly with details of your booking.
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.
Book Now
Self-launch and Launch Membership

Already have your own kit? You can launch your own kayak, canoe, dingy or stand up paddleboard at our lakes! And, if you are a regular visitor, you can even become a member and launch as often as you like at all five activity centres!
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.
Wimbleball Campsite

Experience a family camping holiday like no other at Wimbleball Lake, nestled in the hills of Exmoor National Park. Create the ultimate camping break packed with adventure, creating lasting memories for the whole family.
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.
FAQs

Want to find out more? Here you will find a list of frequently asked questions. If you still can't find what you are looking for, please contact our team who will be happy to help.
Instructor-led Sessions

Learn something new with one of our qualified instructors. Take part in a 'Have a go' session, expand your knowledge by signing up to a course or get involved in one of our weekly clubs. There really is something for all ages and abilities to try.