Volunteering opportunities

Why volunteer with us?

Volunteers are a hugely important part of our workforce. From conservation heroes to fantastic fishing bailiffs, watersports warriors and site maintenance stars - we value all the people who give their time and energy to help us look after our lakes all across the south west.

We provide a range of opportunities for people who are looking to find paid employment in a variety of areas. We know it’s not always easy to find the right job in the right location, and competition is often extremely fierce. Demonstrating that you have volunteered, learned new skills and gained experience working within a team can make you stand out from the rest.

Whatever your motives for volunteering we’d love to hear from you - find out more below.

It's Your Outdoors

With lakes across the south west, you'll find a great venue to suit you or your group. We can also arrange corporate volunteering opportunities.

We are eager to work with volunteers of all ages and abilities. By experiencing different types of outdoor work, you can discover a new passion. You can light up your future with new, exciting opportunities, gaining the self-belief to pursue a new pathway to employment.

We offer four key areas for volunteering

Working with our team to deliver conservation tasks, educational activities and grounds maintenance.
Manning our visitor centres or receptions, engaging with our customers and providing visitors with useful information about the lakes and the organisation.
Supporting our activity instructors to deliver amazing experiences for people of all ages and abilities - both on and off the water.
Supporting our Angling Team to deliver exceptional coarse and trout fishing.

Click here to see dates for our upcoming conservation days.

Contact us to find out more: [email protected] or 01566 771930

To volunteer with us at Longham Lakes, please email [email protected] or call 01202 581 411 and let us know your mobile number and email address

Latest

Using Heavy Horses for Moorland River Works

The Dartmoor Green Recovery project recently welcomed volunteers from the Environment Agency and a team from Dartmoor Horse Loggers to a site near Princetown. Dartmoor Biodiversity Officer Morwenna explains the use of heavy horses for moorland river works.
Rediscovering a lost love at the lake

After rekindling his love of windsurfing after a thirty-year break, Phil Brown joined South West Lakes Trust as a launch member at Wimbleball Lake and is loving every minute of it!
Striking a balance

Thanks to nature enthusiast and volunteer Liz Crow, two lakes in North Devon are now better managed for wildlife - in particular dragonflies and damselflies - by working closely with South West Water and local anglers.
From visitor to volunteer - Chris's story

Monday 3 June marks the start of Volunteers’ Week – a week where we’re encouraged to celebrate the amazing work of volunteers in communities across the UK. Here we celebrate one of our valuable volunteers, Chris from the Roadford Lake Cafe.

Volunteer case study

Volunteer Michael Glinn tells us why volunteering at Burrator is special to him.
Why volunteer?

Volunteering can bring a sense of belonging and open up a whole new world. Explore your outdoors while helping the environment and discovering new activities and learning opportunities.

Current reservoir levels

See the current water levels in our reservoirs.
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.
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.
South West Lakes Trust Booking Confirmation

Thank you for your South West Lakes Trust booking. You’ll receive a confirmation email shortly with details of your booking.
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!
Wimbleball Campsite (Exmoor)

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.
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.
Join the team

Current vacancies
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.F