We have officially launched our new Friends of South West Lakes scheme, offering a new way for supporters to get involved with our charitable work.

This new approach offers a fresh perspective on being a ‘Friend’; crucially, it is more than ‘just a car parking pass’. Following feedback from existing Friends and South West Lakes Trust employees, the plan includes revised welcome packs and correspondence throughout the friendship experience. Throughout the year Friends will be able to see how their contribution supports the conservation and recreation work of South West Lakes Trust.

Friends of South West Lakes gives you the option to pick a particular aspect of the Trust’s work to find out more about. South West Lakes Trust’s ethos centres around how engaging with the natural environment enables people to grow. The overarching purpose of the charity is to protect and enhance special habitats for wildlife and provide opportunities for people to benefit their health and wellbeing by being outdoors.

Andy Parsons, Chief Executive of South West Lakes Trust, said:

‘Over many years our Friends have supported the work we do across the South West region to improve the environment around the lakes and to enable people from all walks of life to enjoy the great outdoors. I believe that our new scheme ensures we continue to focus on the things that matter most to our Friends – appreciating why they choose to visit and support the lakes.’

At the core of our work are a number of key campaigns, each representing an aspect of our conservation and recreation work. As a Friend, you will be able to choose one of three campaigns to support, which will update each year to reflect the current direction of the work carried out.

In 2019 the campaigns will be:

Love your Lakes

By joining as a Love your Lakes Friend, you can help to support the Trust’s conservation work to improve habitats and protect wildlife for future generations. Welcome packs will include a set of exclusive South West lakes Trust coasters.

Take the Lead

There are nearly 100 miles of paths around the lakes which require constant upkeep. Your support can help to maintain dog exercise areas and your favourite lakeside doggy walks.

Welcome packs will include 100 fully biodegradable doggy poo bags.

Play and Explore

Your friendship could help to connect more young people with nature and support future play area developments, maintain existing play areas and enable play in the natural environment for all the family. Welcome packs will include an Explorers pack containing a compass, notepad and a personalised ‘Little Explorer’ badge for each child.

In addition to the new welcome packs, we are introducing a calendar in 2019 which will be comprised of the 2019 Love your Lakes Photo Competition winners’ artwork for each month. The calendar will also feature key South West Lakes Trust events for the upcoming year.

Every Friend will also receive a parking permit and your support will impact our work at lakes including Roadford, Wimbleball, Fernworthy, Siblyback, Argal, Tamar, Burrator, and many others. Click here for more information.