Become a Friend of South West Lakes

Our charity cares for the natural and historic environments surrounding the lakes of the south west. By becoming a Friend of South West Lakes, you can support our purpose of protecting special places for wildlife and people, whilst also receiving free car parking at all of the lakes for a year, among other benefits. It's your outdoors, so come and explore.

How does it work?

Donate to receive a single (£35), joint (£50) or family Friendship (£55), which provides you with access to free parking at all of our lakes for a year - from Wimbleball Lake in Exmoor to Longham Lakes in Bournemouth. Choose a campaign and receive a tailored gift: whether you have a young family of budding explorers, or four-legged friends, or simply love spending time at the lakes, we want to help you make the most of your visit.

You can make an annual donation by direct debit, or make a single payment for one year’s Friendship. Your donation will help us to continue conserving and providing access to the wonderful countryside around the lakes. Through this work, we strive to give everyone the opportunity to experience the health and wellbeing benefits that arise from connecting with nature – whether that be from a rejuvenating stroll in the woods, spending peaceful time near water, birdwatching, playing or doing watersports.

Our team works hard to protect and enhance the rich biodiversity of these environments and maintains our footpaths, cycle trails and play areas for everyone to enjoy. Your support helps us to create abundant, diverse and connected landscapes that will remain loved by generations to come.

We believe engaging with the natural environment enables people to grow

Benefits of being a Friend of South West Lakes:

You will be supporting our work to protect the special environments around the lakes and provide inspiring opportunities for people to enjoy, respect and benefit from them.
Receive a parking pass valid at all of our car parks (x1 single, x2 joint and x2 family).
A tailored gift related to your chosen campaign (see below).
Be inspired to create a memorable day out with the family activity pack included in the family Friendship.
Receive a gorgeous calendar displaying the lakes across the south west for the upcoming year (sent in autumn for the following year).
Invitation to our Friends and Volunteers Celebration and other events, plus free entry to our Open Days.
The opportunity to sign-up to our monthly e-newsletter to receive regular updates about our work.

Cycling at Roadford Lake Bluebells in coppiced woodland

Which Friendship is right for you?

See the different Friendship categories and their benefits below.

Our Friends of Longham scheme has now merged with our Friends of South West Lakes scheme. If you are an existing Friend of Longham, we will get in touch with you at your renewal date. Please click the options below to sign up to our Friends of South West Lakes scheme.

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 let us know 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 buttons below to join today:

Become a ‘Play and Explore’ Friend

Become a ‘Take the Lead’ Friend

Become a ‘Love Your Lakes’ Friend

Latest

Reflecting on a busy summer at Burrator

It has been wonderful to welcome back volunteers and visitors at Burrator this summer after the restrictions of the last 18 months.
Family Astro Party at Wimbleball Lake

Join Exmoor National Park's rangers, education officers and astronomer Jo Richardson for a fun indoor and outdoor family orientated astro event at Wimbleball Lake, as part of the Dark Sky Festival on Saturday 6 November.
Astronomy Lecture at Wimbleball Lake

Join us at Wimbleball Lake Activity Centre on Monday 1 November at 7pm for an astronomy lecture run by Exmoor National Park, as part of their Dark Sky Festival.
Funding secured for new play area at Roadford Lake

Work to create a new play area at Roadford Lake near Okehampton will start early next year, thanks to generous funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, South West Water and South West Lakes and our supporters.

Have you fallen in love with a lake?

Find out more about the lakes in the south west, support our work or plan a visit. #ItsYourOutdoors, come and explore.
Welcoming dogs to our lakes safely

We welcome responsible dogs owners and their dogs at our lakes across the south west.
Our impact

We believe engaging with the natural environment enables people to grow. Find out how we look after the lakes, and how we enable you to make the most of your outdoors.
Our Campaigns

We believe engaging with the natural environment enables people to grow. Find out about the campaigns that underpin our work.

Equipment Hire

Experience the ultimate family adventure by exploring the lakes at your own pace. We have a variety of watersports equipment available to hire including; kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards and more.
South West Lakes Booking Confirmation

Thank you for your South West Lakes booking. You’ll receive a confirmation email shortly with details of your booking.
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.
Book Now
Self-launch and Launch Membership

Already have your own kit? You can launch your own kayak, canoe, dingy or stand up paddleboard at our lakes! And, if you are a regular visitor, you can even become a member and launch as often as you like at all five activity centres!
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.
Wimbleball Campsite

Experience a family camping holiday like no other at Wimbleball Lake, nestled in the hills of Exmoor National Park. Create the ultimate camping break packed with adventure, creating lasting memories for the whole family.
Siblyback, Cornwall

Surrounded by the striking backdrop of Bodmin Moor, Siblyback Lake lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). There is a beautiful 5km round lake circuit, which is perfect for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles. The path runs adjacent to the lake, and passes by the impressive Siblyback Dam and through woodlands.
FAQs

Want to find out more? Here you will find a list of frequently asked questions. If you still can't find what you are looking for, please contact our team who will be happy to help.
Instructor-led Sessions

Learn something new with one of our qualified instructors. Take part in a 'Have a go' session, expand your knowledge by signing up to a course or get involved in one of our weekly clubs. There really is something for all ages and abilities to try.