Play and Explore

Child playing outdoors

Over 1 million children in the UK did not visit, or rarely visited, natural places in the last year. We have the opportunity to connect more young people with nature, away from the distractions of modern technology and socialising with friends ‘online’.

For children and their families who want to create special memories, our lakes provide play opportunities for all, offering great value days out. We are passionate about enabling friends and families to enjoy spending time outdoors to be active, have fun and create lasting memories.

‘Play is an essential part of every child’s life. It is vital for the enjoyment of childhood as well as for social, emotional, intellectual and physical development. When children are asked about what they think is important in their lives, playing and friends are usually at the top of the list.’
Source Play England.

At South West Lakes Trust we aim to enable children to connect with their natural environment, giving them opportunities to play hide and seek in a woodland, go pond dipping or discover our wildlife. Our free activity sheets are a great downloadable resource containing lots of inspiration for things to do while you visit.

Child on a slide at Siblyback Lake Through our Play and Explore campaign we will provide places for children and their families to play together – by supporting our work you will be helping families to create special memories and protect areas for active play in the countryside.

We are now fundraising to create new play opportunities at Roadford Lake. We have lots of space to enable children and their families to really make the most of the great outdoors find out more here - Roadford Lake Play and Explore.

Your support over recent years has enabled us to realise brand new play areas at Tamar and Siblyback Lakes - find out more about our recent projects here.

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

Current vacancies
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.
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.
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.
Colliford, Cornwall

Colliford is Cornwall’s largest inland water, with a surface area of a whopping 900 acres – that’s about 682 football pitches! Located just off the A30, the lake is a couple of miles south of Jamaica Inn, the famous smugglers’ haunt immortalised by Daphne du Maurier.
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.