When South West Water merged with Bournemouth Water in 2016 it wasn’t long before the two organisations started looking at how the recreation assets of Bournemouth Water could be managed in the longer term.
Since 2000, South West Lakes Trust has managed all of South West Water’s reservoirs for public enjoyment, environmental safeguarding and recreational pursuits. Popular beauty spots looked after by the Trust include Burrator Reservoir and Roadford Lake in Devon, Siblyback, Stithians and Tamar Lakes in Cornwall and Wimbleball Lake on Exmoor. This fully out-sourced model remains unique in the water industry but you only have to look at the public sector’s out-sourcing of sports facilities to leisure trusts to see that it’s happening more and more in today’s changing landscape.
South West Lakes Trust trades as Bournemouth Water Leisure in the Bournemouth area, managing two reservoirs at Longham near Ferndown, a large portion of Christchurch Harbour including lower reaches of the rivers Stour and Avon and works with partners at Blashford Lakes near Ringwood. Bournemouth Water Leisure offers opportunities for fishing, watersports and general public access, balancing recreational needs with those of the environment and water supply.
