What we do

Welcome to South West Lakes Trust

Our charity is dedicated to caring for and enhancing the South West's reservoirs and lakes: they are home to many wonderful animals and boast important habitats and built historic sites. We pride ourselves on enabling people of all abilities to enjoy these special locations by providing access both on and off the water.

Every year, millions of people visit lakes and reservoirs across the UK. They provide a perfect setting for a great day out, be it for a stroll, to play, nature watch or enjoy adventurous activities such as stand up paddle boarding, kayaking or sailing.

As an independent charity, our purpose is to protect special places for people and wildlife; in doing this we care for over 40 inland waters in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Ranging in size from one to nine hundred acres, the lakes provide unrivalled access to watersports, angling, walking and cycling, and are places you can be active or play and explore all day long.

Some of our lakes are recognised with special designations including Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserves. We take great pride in protecting and enhancing these locations for the future and for people to value and enjoy.

Pond dipping at Roadford Lake

Our unique working relationship with South West Water ensures that the land surrounding the reservoirs in our care is managed sensitively and sustainability to improve the quality of water entering the reservoirs, and that these beautiful countryside locations are enjoyed by everyone, not just today, but for future generations as well.

Our Recreation and Countryside Team looks forward to welcoming you and your family to one of our lakes soon. Find out more about visiting our lakes.

Stand up paddle boarding by Erin Bridges

Latest

Mobile Catering Licence Opportunity at Wistlandpound

Looking to serve a brew with a view? Fancy selling cake by a lake? What about a cream tea to die for on the hills of Exmoor? We have a perfect spot on the banks of Wistlandpound Reservoir for a mobile catering licence to set up this year
Vital biosecurity work is successful across the south west

South West Lakes and South West Water have recently been awarded an accreditation for excellence in biosecurity at many of their lakes through the AQUA (Aquatic Quality Award) Biosecurity Accreditation Pilot Scheme. Part of the EU LIFE funded RAPID (Reducing and Preventing INNS Dispersal) LIFE project, AQUA is designed to help prevent the spread of invasive non-native species.
Experiences of a volunteer at South West Lakes

Madeleine is a Site Guardian at College and Argal Lakes, and is also completing a work experience placement with both South West Lakes and Cornwall Reptile and Amphibian Group (CRAG). Read an account of her experiences.
Harvest Mice Tales

Our ecologist discusses some successful harvest mice discoveries around the south west over the winter of 2020 - 21.

Vote for your favourite photo competition entry

It's time to have your say!
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.
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
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.
Siblyback Lake Spring Trail

Put a Spring in your step this Easter and take part in our lakeside trail and quiz. Easter Bunnies will join you on your journey to the Siblyback Nature Reserve each with a letter and seasonal themed clue to help you solve the Spring surprise anagram and quiz!
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.
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.
SW Lakes Weekly Trout Fishery Round Up - W/E 11 April

Despite trickier weather conditions, lots of fun was had and some great fish landed- in some cases during snow! Lots of surface action spotted and again, it’s great to hear of the social side of fishing being enjoyed, especially at the moment.
Book Now