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.

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

Find out how you can help us to create a new play area at Roadford Lake - Roadford Lake Play and Explore.

Latest

Introducing Nick Herbert - Senior Countryside Warden for Exmoor

Arriving at Wimbleball Lake’s breathtaking shores by way of the stormy cliffs of Lundy Island, my name is Nick Herbert and I love what I do. Leading a team who share my passion for conservation, I look after the Exmoor reservoirs of Wimbleball and Wistlandpound with an ever changing array of long and short term projects.
Love your Lakes Photo and Art Competition

We challenge you to escape into nature for a while, through art and pictures, and inspire us!
Harvest mouse survey training

When you’re lucky enough to volunteer for SWLT, you have enviable access to some free training opportunities, one being the harvest mouse survey training in late February. On a cold and wet day, a room of volunteers from different sites across the Trust enjoyed the view over Roadford Lake while being taught by Sarah, from Devon Mammal Trust.
Postgraduate Student Helping Combat Alien Invasions

Much of my role as Invasive Species Officer at South West Lakes Trust involves engaging with visitors to our lakes, volunteers, colleagues and fellow scientists, and finding ways to help control the spread and minimise the impacts of invasive species.

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.
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

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, and to adhere to government advice, all recreational facilities at our lakes are currently closed. We look forward to being able to welcome visitors back to the lakes when restrictions are lifted. If you can help to keep our work going by supporting us with a donation, please click the donate button above - thank you for your support.
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.
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.
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.
Partners

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