Love your Lakes

We believe engaging with the natural environment enables people to grow; therefore, it is our duty to care for and improve our environment.
Bluebells in a coppiced woodland

By looking after our natural resources, we give space for wildlife and opportunities for people to enjoy it. Working with local communities, volunteers and external funders, we can improve and protect our unique habitats and landscapes whilst helping our visitors to learn and benefit from them.

We all enjoy the countryside, whether it’s for a walk, bird watching, sailing or enjoying the view. This wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated work of our countryside team and volunteers who carry out a variety of tasks throughout the year, including meadow management, hedge laying, coppicing and scrub management.

Marsh Fritillary butterfly

The lakes are home to a variety of wildlife, both in and out of the water. We’re delighted to be involved with the national dormouse and bat monitoring schemes, and each summer the lakes come alive with butterflies, dragonflies and numerous other insects. It goes without saying that water habitats are a common occurrence at the places we manage; it’s not just about the big water bodies but rather the variety of ‘water-based’ habitats that the lakes boast. Conserving and enhancing these habitats is important for a wide variety of species including otters, wetland birds, newts and a wide range of flora.

Click here to find out about invasive non-native species and biosecurity at the lakes.

We want our visitors to enjoy being outside and to make the most of the natural heritage we have. We want to enable children to understand nature and how important it is to protect it for future generations.

Help us to protect the environment for everyone by becoming a Friend of South West Lakes
Love Your Lakes

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.

Help us to protect the environment for everyone by becoming a Friend of South West LakesLove Your Lakes

Help us to protect the environment for everyone by becoming a Friend of South West Lakes
Love Your Lakes