“WATER is a precious resource, which we must conserve to safeguard our habitats and wildlife for the future.”

This is the message behind the new two-year ‘I Love Water Project’ being delivered by the charity South West Lakes Trust, and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and South West Water.

To share this message, the team is looking to deliver an exciting programme of learning for schools and other youth groups, themed family activity days and practical volunteering at six of their reservoirs: Siblyback, Burrator, Trenchford, Roadford, Wimbleball and Longham Lakes.

One of the main themes of the school visits will be for pupils to become a ‘scientist for the day’; they will learn about the history of the water supply and construction of the reservoirs, treatment of water and how we can conserve it.

To help in this project, the charity are asking the public if they have any photos that show how the different areas looked before the reservoirs were built or during their construction.

Alternatively, any stories or memories of living around the area at that time would be appreciated.

Emily Cannon, Community and Learning Officer at South West Lakes Trust, said: “Through my own experience in the Burrator Historic and Environment Project, I always found having photos and oral history records brought history to life, and helped pupils and site visitors understand how the area looked and any possible impacts that resulted.”

If you have any stories or photographs to share, please email them to [email protected]