South West Lakes Trust (SWLT) is inviting the local community to a special open day at Longham Lakes this month  to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

The Trust’s special event on 20 September will feature fun and educational activities led by community groups, including paddleboarding, kayaking, model plane flying, model boat sailing, bird watching walks and photography talks.

Bournemouth Water will be among the groups taking part in the celebrations alongside community groups, clubs, and conservation partners, helping visitors explore the lakes, wildlife, and the ways people and water resources are connected.

Established in 2000  South West Lakes Trust was created as an independent charity to care for the region’s reservoirs and surrounding environments, making them more accessible for people and better protected for wildlife.

Over the past 25 years, the Trust has grown to manage over 50 lakes across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, becoming the South West’s largest conservation and recreation charity.

Bournemouth Water staff will be at the event to explain how Longham Lakes contributes to the local water supply, to share an update on how works to upgrade Alderney Water Treatment Works are progressing, and highlight the environmental work they do, including measures to manage invasive species.

Gemma Morgan, Environment Officer at Bournemouth Water, said: “We’re really pleased to be part of this special day at Longham Lakes and celebrate the incredible work South West Lakes Trust has done over the last 25 years. “This special event will be a great opportunity to talk with local people about how the lakes help supply the area with drinking water, and to share more about the environmental work that goes on behind the scenes to protect these important habitats.”
 
Jon Morley, South West Lakes Trust’s Area Manager for Bournemouth, said: “South West Lakes Trust is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with a programme of celebrations. “To help us celebrate this milestone, we are inviting our supporters and the local community to Longham Lakes on Saturday 20 September for our first open day since 2019. “Entry is free and there will be fun for all the family, including free water based activities to try, bookable on the day. Come and meet some of the groups that use the lakes and find out more about our charity and the special places it looks after.
 
Visit South West Lakes Trust’s website for more information about the 25th anniversary celebrations.