Capture that moment that shows what the lakes mean to you

May 2024

We're looking for that perfect moment captured on camera, one that represents the beauty and diversity of wildlife, the breath-taking landscapes or the thrilling moments of adventure and exploration from visits to our lakes from across the region.

Launching today (24th May 2024), South West Lakes Trust is inviting all visitors to enter their photos and videos into its 2024 ‘Love Your Lakes’ Photography and Video Competition.

Enticing prizes include £250 for the overall winner, and £100 for the winner of each of the five categories including: Wonderful Wildlife, Stunning Scenery, Awesome Adventures, Young Explorers and It’s Your Outdoors.

Young Explorers is a new category for this year, inviting entries from younger photographers and videographers. The winner will be able to choose between the cash prize or an hour’s paddle party for up to 8 participants!

Winning entries will be displayed in a special exhibition at Roadford Lake at the end of the year and will feature in the charity’s stunning 2025 calendar.

The competition will be open for entries from Friday 24th May until Saturday 31st August.

James Platts, Chief Executive for South West Lakes Trust, said: “We are excited to see those special moments captured from around our lakes, whether that be engaging with the natural environment, or from adventures out on the water. It’s those special, sometimes fleeting moments experienced out in nature that makes these lakes mean so much more to our visitors. We are really looking forward to sharing those moments with you and we wish everyone good luck!”

Find out more and how to enter.

About us

Healthy lakes, landscapes and lives

South West Lakes Trust is the region’s largest combined environmental and recreational charity, caring for and enhancing reservoirs on behalf of South West Water for conservation and recreation purposes. Our 50 inland water sites, encompassing 5,000 hectares of land and water spread across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and West Somerset, attract in the region of 2 million visits annually.

Our reservoirs and lakes are home to many wonderful animals and boast important habitats and built historic sites. We pride ourselves on enabling people of all abilities to enjoy these special locations by providing access both on and off the water. It’s your outdoors – come and explore.

Latest

Using Heavy Horses for Moorland River Works

The Dartmoor Green Recovery project recently welcomed volunteers from the Environment Agency and a team from Dartmoor Horse Loggers to a site near Princetown. Dartmoor Biodiversity Officer Morwenna explains the use of heavy horses for moorland river works.
Rediscovering a lost love at the lake

After rekindling his love of windsurfing after a thirty-year break, Phil Brown joined South West Lakes Trust as a launch member at Wimbleball Lake and is loving every minute of it!
Striking a balance

Thanks to nature enthusiast and volunteer Liz Crow, two lakes in North Devon are now better managed for wildlife - in particular dragonflies and damselflies - by working closely with South West Water and local anglers.
From visitor to volunteer - Chris's story

Monday 3 June marks the start of Volunteers’ Week – a week where we’re encouraged to celebrate the amazing work of volunteers in communities across the UK. Here we celebrate one of our valuable volunteers, Chris from the Roadford Lake Cafe.

Invasive Species Week 2024

It's Invasive Species Week from 20 to 26 May 2024 and we've got lots of activities planned to help raise awareness of invasive non-native species and what you can do to help prevent their spread.
Family fun at South West Fly Fair

The South West Fly Fair returns to Roadford Lake on Sunday 25 February.
Stunning image of bathing pied wagtail wins Love your Lakes photo competition

A stunning photograph of a pied wagtail taking a bath in a puddle has been crowned overall winner in the Love Your Lakes photo and video competition.
New Dark Sky Discovery Hub ready to welcome stargazers at Wimbleball Lake

A new Dark Sky Discovery Hub at Wimbleball Lake on Exmoor opened to its first visitors during Exmoor Dark Skies Festival.
Ancient monuments preserved for the future at Burrator Reservoir

Important archaeological features around Burrator Reservoir have been cleared of intrusive vegetation thanks to our volunteers.
Reaching for the stars at Wimbleball Lake

Work has started to build a new Dark Sky Discovery Hub at Wimbleball Lake on Exmoor.
Capture that special moment at the lakes for the chance to win!

This summer when visiting the lakes, you are invited to share your scenic snapshots into the 'Love your Lakes' photo and video competition, launching today.
Hundreds of wildlife sightings recorded

Hundreds of wildlife sightings were recorded by volunteers taking part in our biggest ever wildlife survey as part of the Big Help Out on Monday 8 May.
Invasive Species Week 2023

It's Invasive Species Week from 15-21 May 2023 and we've got lots of activities planned to help raise awareness of invasive non-native species and what you can do to help prevent their spread.
Nature spotters needed for ambitious wildlife survey

We're appealing for volunteers to help with our biggest every wildlife survey on Monday 8 May.

Current reservoir levels

See the current water levels in our reservoirs.
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.
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.
South West Lakes Trust Booking Confirmation

Thank you for your South West Lakes Trust booking. You’ll receive a confirmation email shortly with details of your booking.
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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!
Wimbleball Campsite (Exmoor)

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.
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.
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Current vacancies
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.F