Friends of South West Lakes

Children walking

By becoming a Friend of South West Lakes, you can support our purpose of protecting special places for wildlife and people.

Your support helps us to further our work and also benefits many young people, families, older people and many others who enjoy the countryside in which our lakes are set.

Our team of countryside wardens and volunteers work hard to enhance the wide range of habitats for the benefit of wildlife, including protected species such as dormice and bats, pollinators, amphibians and bird life. They also make sure our footpaths, cycle trails and play areas are well maintained throughout the year.

Every year, thousands of young people take part in organised activities with our recreation team, both on and off the water. Our activity sessions help to build confidence, enable an active lifestyle and build social skills, whilst making firm friendships in a fun outdoor environment.

We believe engaging with the natural environment enables people to grow

Benefits of being a Friend of South West Lakes Trust

Supporting our work to further enhance special habitats for wildlife and providing opportunities for people to benefit their health and well being by being outdoors
Parking pass for all of our car parks (1 annual pass for single, 2 annual passes for joint & family Friendships)
Tailored gift related to one of our campaigns
Free entry to our Open Days
Regular updates including a monthly e-newsletter
Family membership also includes a family activity pack to help your little adventurers play and explore
Priority invitation to events
A lakes calendar for the upcoming year (sent in Autumn for the following year)
Invitation to our Friends and Volunteers celebration event

Find out more below!

Friend categories and benefits

Each Friendship comes with a number of benefits as listed above. By joining one of our campaigns you will also receive a special gift related to your chosen campaign

Friendship	Donation	Play and Explore	Take the Lead	Love Your Lakes
Single	£35	1 children's explorer pack 1 parking sticker	100 fully biodegradable doggy poo bags 1 parking sticker	2 lakes coasters 1 parking sticker
Joint	£50	2 children's explorer packs 2 parking stickers	200 fully biodegradable doggy poo bags 2 parking stickers	4 lakes coasters 2 parking stickers
Family	£55	3 children's explorer packs (please tell us if you have more than 3 children) 2 parking stickers A fun 101 Things to Do guide	200 fully biodegradable doggy poo bags 2 parking stickers A fun 101 Things to Do guide	4 lakes coasters 2 parking stickers A fun 101 Things to Do guide

Click the links below to join today

Play and Explore

Take the Lead

Love Your Lakes

Latest

South West Lakes is launching RingGo parking

From 23 September, we are rolling out RingGo, the UK’s leading cashless parking provider, at eight locations across the south west. It is hoped that introducing RingGo as an alternative payment method will encourage visitors to use this safer contactless option on their trips to the lakes.
Wildflower spectacle at Roadford Lake

As a conservation charity, it is our mission to manage and enhance the habitats around the reservoirs for wildlife and for the enjoyment of visitors. The area in front of the car park at Roadford Lake used to be a patch of grass, but with Devon Wildlife Trust, we have transformed it into a spectacular wildflower meadow.
Play and Explore at Roadford Lake

We are now in the depths of planning and fundraising for a fantastic new play space; the current offering was last installed in 2005, and we feel now is the time for improvements and expansion.
There is always time to play

It's National Play Day on Wednesday 5 August, and we are celebrating children's right to play

Our Campaigns

We believe engaging with the natural environment enables people to grow

Vote for your favourite photo competition entry

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

Current vacancies
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.
Coronavirus update 19/09/2020

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.