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

Love your Lakes Photo and Art Competition

We challenge you to escape into nature for a while, through art and pictures, and inspire us!
Harvest mouse survey training

When you’re lucky enough to volunteer for SWLT, you have enviable access to some free training opportunities, one being the harvest mouse survey training in late February. On a cold and wet day, a room of volunteers from different sites across the Trust enjoyed the view over Roadford Lake while being taught by Sarah, from Devon Mammal Trust.
Postgraduate Student Helping Combat Alien Invasions

Much of my role as Invasive Species Officer at South West Lakes Trust involves engaging with visitors to our lakes, volunteers, colleagues and fellow scientists, and finding ways to help control the spread and minimise the impacts of invasive species.
Coronavirus update

On the 23 March in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and to adhere to government advice, we closed all recreational facilities at our lakes to help restrict the spread of this outbreak. This is without exception and includes all activity centres, campsites and visitor centres, cafes, angling facilities and car parks until further notice.

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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.
Coronavirus update

On the 23 March in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and to adhere to government advice, we closed all recreational facilities at our lakes to help restrict the spread of this outbreak. This is without exception and includes all activity centres, campsites and visitor centres, cafes, angling facilities and car parks until further notice.
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.
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.
Partners

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