Partners

We believe engaging with the natural environment enables people to grow

Our partnerships with organisations throughout the South West are an important factor in the work we achieve and the projects we deliver.

Together, we are working on valuable initiatives; for example, Upstream Thinking is a fantastic project funded by South West Water, which we are delivering with Cornwall Wildlife Trust to improve water quality in the Fal catchment – specifically, around College and Argal reservoirs.

In partnership with Dartmoor National Park Authority, the Moor than meets the eye Landscape Partnership project has enabled us to vastly improve the access around Fernworthy Reservoir – in particular, the surface and accessibility of the much loved Potters Walk – a scenic wheelchair and buggy accessible route.

The Discover Wistlandpound Project (DWP) is a joint project between South West Lakes Trust, The Calvert Trust Exmoor and Forestry Commission Enterprises, which has funded two wheelchair and pushchair accessible paths. Enabling people of all abilities to engage with the outdoors, this is a fantastic example of three organisations collaborating for the benefit of the environment and public.

Invasive Species

We are working in partnership with South West Water to help protect our lakes from the impacts of invasive non-native species. Click here to read more about invasive non-native species and biosecurity at the lakes.

Invasive non-native species cause detrimental impacts to the environment, can have an impact on activities and some even have human health implications. Our Invasive Species Officer, Nicola Morris, is working with anglers and visitors to the lakes to encourage everyone to work together to prevent invasive non-native species causing damage to the lakes, and in turn helping to protect the activities we enjoy.

Have you heard of the Check, Clean, Dry campaign? One of the aims of the project is to encourage everyone to carry out simple biosecurity measures before and after using the lakes.

Help us protect the lakes and the activities we enjoy by following some simple steps to keep your kit, footwear and clothing free of invasive plants and animals.

Whenever you leave the lakes, remember to Check, Clean, Dry.

Check your equipment, boat and clothing after leaving the water for mud, aquatic animals or plant material. Remove anything you find and leave it at the site.
Clean everything thoroughly as soon as you can, paying attention to areas that are damp and hard to access. Use hot water if possible.
Dry everything for as long as possible (ideally 48hrs) before using elsewhere as some invasive plants and animals can survive for two weeks in damp conditions.

We are delighted to be part of the AQUA biosecurity accreditation scheme. This regional pilot trial offers tiered awards and provides recognition that we are actively conserving the lakes to maximise native aquatic diversity. Find out more about the scheme.

Upstream Thinking: a partnership with Cornwall Wildlife Trust

We have been working on a very exciting catchment scale conservation project around College and Argal reservoirs near Penryn in Cornwall. Upstream Thinking is a five year programme funded by South West Water and is being delivered across the whole region. The Fal catchment project is being delivered by South West Lakes Trust and Cornwall Wildlife Trust (CWT) and has two main aims:

Farm advisors, ecologists and water quality scientists from CWT work with landowners in the catchment to help them improve their practices, with the goal of reducing the run off of harmful chemicals and fertilisers into the reservoirs.
The other aspect of the project involves our volunteer groups (led by Senior Countryside Warden Beth Cross) visiting different sites around the catchment to undertake conservation and habitat management tasks to improve the sites for wildlife. We have worked on a wide variety of tasks including scrub clearance, bracken management, hedging, invasive species removal and building habitat boxes. Volunteers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds have really enjoyed being part of a new and interesting project, with the opportunities to visit different sites and learn new skills.

It will be rewarding to continue this partnership working with Cornwall Wildlife Trust – a landscape level approach to water management and conservation will not only make a real difference to the water quality in the lakes, biodiversity and agricultural sustainability, but also has positive knock on effects for wildlife, fisheries and the enjoyment of visitors to our sites.

Go Stargazing

Our Wimbleball team have been working with Go Stargazing by taking part in a number of their training sessions on astronomy, in order to enhance our future Dark Sky events. This forms part of our work with Exmoor National Park's Dark Sky Friendly Business Accreditation scheme.

Go Stargazing is a close-knit group of astronomers who aim to generate wide public interest in astronomy by publicising great stargazing locations and events. Find out more on their website.

Some of our key delivery partners

South West Water

Wheal Martyn Trust

Dartmoor National Park Authority

Exmoor National Park Authority

Calvert Trust Exmoor

Cornwall Sports Partnership

Cornwall Wildlife Trust

Devon Wildlife Trust

Environment Agency

Forestry Commission

Natural England

Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership

Westcountry Rivers Trust

Latest

The Burrator Wildlife Guide has launched

The Burrator Wildlife Guide is a brand new 40 page booklet, created and launched by three South West Lakes Trust volunteers. Containing information on 109 species found around Burrator Reservoir, the guide will help visitors identify and appreciate the rich wildlife of Burrator.
Autumn inspiration

Notice the little things in nature this autumn.
Dormouse surveys September 2020

Since my last blog on dormice in 2019, we have confirmed another site to have dormice present – this time at Wimbleball Lake on Exmoor. This new site comes with a lovely story.
Moonlit Adventure at Wimbleball Lake

Be part of a small group to enjoy a guided walk with a National Park Ranger under a moon-lit and starry sky.

Vote for your favourite photo competition entry

It's time to have your say!
Join the team

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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.
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.
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.
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.
Coronavirus update 05/10/2020

In line with government guidance, our lakes and facilities are open. We urge visitors to stay alert and be prepared for their visit. Please read our updated information here to make sure you are informed prior to visiting.
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.
Avon Dam, Devon

Avon Dam Reservoir is situated in beautiful open moorland on South Dartmoor – a wonderful location for some picturesque walks. To get to the reservoir, head to Shipley Bridge, where you will find car parking and toilet facilities with disabled access, provided by Dartmoor National Park.