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.

To become a Friend of Longham Lakes in Bournemouth, click here.

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

Autumn Success for NCS

NCS is a once in a life-time, nationwide, government funded experience for young people between the ages of 16 and 17 to enjoy during their summer holidays that takes place over either 3 or 4 exciting weeks. Working in small teams, participants from Cornwall, Torbay and the surrounding areas enjoyed two days of fun on the water at Roadford Lake in Devon.
Work starts on a new ‘water-wise garden’ at Roadford Lake

The creation of a new ‘water-wise garden’ has commenced at Roadford Lake as part of South West Water’s campaign to highlight how customers can save money through water efficiency.
Lakes in the South West to remain open to visitors during lockdown

Following the Government’s announcement regarding stricter lockdown measures in England, we will continue to keep the lakes open throughout November for visitors to enjoy within their household, support or one other person from another household.
Tips for an eco-friendly Halloween

Some top tips for an eco-friendly, sustainable Halloween.

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
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.
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.
Partners

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