Over 50 people, including Trustees, employees, volunteers and Friends of the Trust, attended South West Lakes Trust’s 18th annual Volunteers’ Celebration which took place recently at Lakeside, Roadford Lake.

Each year, we celebrate the invaluable help of our fantastic volunteers. Last year over 4,500 volunteer days helped us to deliver our charitable objectives, which was a 5% increase on the previous year.

The celebration began with a buffet lunch, with South West Lakes Trust’s campaign film as a backdrop. This was followed by a speech by David Robertson, Chairman of South West Lakes Trust, and presentations from Andy Parsons, Chief Executive of SWLT, and Nikita Brown, Exhibition and Engagement Officer at Wheal Martyn Clay Works. These presentations highlighted the wonderful work of our volunteers, such as conservation tasks, site maintenance and assisting at events.

David Robertson, Chairman of South West Lakes Trust, congratulated and thanked the volunteers, “As Chairman of South West Lakes Trust, I share the current Trustees’ enthusiasm and gratitude for your achievements.  We are inspired by the work of our volunteers who bring their own expertise and energy to our work, really increasing our charitable reach and impacts.”

He continued to outline the many efforts of the volunteers, including “conservation tasks and supporting the delivery of educational initiatives both for South West Lakes Trust and Wheal Martyn. Many volunteers have also supported South West Lakes by working with our countryside, angling and activity teams to ensure site standards are maintained.”

After the presentations, there was a raffle draw, followed by a round robin of activities: a presentation about invasive species by SWLT Ecologist Emma Scotney, a tour and talk about the Roadford orchards by Kit Hancock, Senior Countryside Warden for Devon, and a talk and demonstration on autumn foraging by volunteer Jacky Pearce.

  

For more information about volunteering opportunities for South West Lakes Trust please call 01566 771930 or email [email protected]. For more information about volunteering opportunities at Wheal Martyn please call 01726 850362 or email [email protected].