Cotswold Lakes Trust has been awarded a £31,000 grant from Enovert, a national waste management company, to enhance facilities and public access at one of the park’s most frequented sites for water sports. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at balancing the needs of both people and nature.
The funding will be utilized to establish a new water sports hub at Cleveland Lakes, responding to the increasing popularity of water-based activities. The project involves the installation of two large shipping containers that will serve multiple purposes, including a welfare unit, shelter, and storage for non-motorized water sports equipment such as rowing, canoeing, triathlon, paddleboarding, and open-water swimming.
Covering an expanse of 330 acres, Cleveland Lakes features a nature reserve and two of the largest lakes in the Cotswold Water Park—Wickwater Lake and Waterhay Lake, recently renamed as part of the Cotswold Lakes initiative.
The project is further supported by an additional grant from the British Canoe Society, aimed at enhancing public access while maintaining a commitment to protecting the lakes’ biodiversity. The trust emphasizes that the planned activities will be carefully managed to prevent harm to local wildlife and habitats.
This development is part of a larger vision by the trust to transform Cleveland Lakes into a model for coexistence between recreational activities and wildlife conservation. Plans include the careful management of Wickwater Lake for wildlife and the designation of Waterhay Lake as a significant regional venue for low-impact, environmentally sustainable training and competitions.
Matthew Millett, Development Director of Cotswold Lakes Trust, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “We are thrilled to be taking this vital step to improve public access to Cleveland Lakes. This exciting project, expected to be completed by November, will meet the growing demand for non-motorized water sports while ensuring that these activities harmonize with the site’s natural environment.”
The grant is part of the Enovert Community Trust’s efforts to support community and environmental projects in areas where the waste management company operates, facilitated through the Landfill Communities Fund. This tax credit scheme is designed to mitigate the adverse impacts of landfill sites.
Angela Haymonds, a representative of Enovert Community Trust, remarked, “The Trust is delighted to support this project that opens up such a beautiful space for local sports. Our funding is helping to provide essential infrastructure to encourage more people to engage with and benefit from the natural environment that Cleveland Lakes offers.”
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