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  1. About us
  2. What we do

What we do


Welcome to South West Lakes Trust

Common Blue butterfly at Siblyback  

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

Published: 20th December, 2018

Updated: 26th April, 2019

Author:

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Latest

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    The South West Lakes team at Wimbleball Lake is delighted to have been accredited with one of the first Dark Sky Friendly Business awards, as part of a scheme run by Exmoor National Park Authority.

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  • Join the team

    Current vacancies

  • Roadford Lake, Devon

    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.

  • Lopwell Dam, Devon

    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.

  • What we do

    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.

  • Burrator, Devon

    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.

  • Coronavirus update 7/1/2021

    Coronavirus update 7/1/2021

    Our lakes will be staying open for you to come and exercise. Local has been defined as staying within your village, town or the part of a city where you live. Please don't travel to a lake if it is not local to where you live.

  • Fernworthy, Devon

    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.

  • Our impact

    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.

  • Dark Sky Friendly accreditation for work at Wimbleball Lake

    Dark Sky Friendly accreditation for work at Wimbleball Lake

    The South West Lakes team at Wimbleball Lake is delighted to have been accredited with one of the first Dark Sky Friendly Business awards, as part of a scheme run by Exmoor National Park Authority.

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Registered Office:
Roadford Lake, Broadwoodwidger
Lifton, Devon, PL16 0RL
Open:
Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm
01566 771930
[email protected]

South West Lakes Trust Registered Charity No. 1079966     
Company No. 03946529

Coronavirus update 5 Jan: Our lakes will be staying open for local communities to come and exercise. Please do not travel to a lake if it is not local to where you live. Please see our update page for specific lakes.