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.

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.