Lakes trust secures grant for I Love Water project

Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, the project, which is match-funded by South West Water, will conserve and improve habitats for wildlife that live in the water and by the water, whilst also highlighting the importance of using water wisely.

The charity will be working across the region aiming to engage young people with their environment and raise awareness of water usage, to help realise the ambition to reduce household consumption from 143 litres per person per day to 128 litres per person per day by 2025.

Andy Parsons, chief executive of South West Lakes Trust, said: “We are delighted to have received support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for this important project. Water is vital to us all and we are very much looking forward to helping our visitors and local communities connect with its value and the benefits of reducing water usage.

"To launch this project during the Year of Green Action is particularly significant, as it is about connecting people with nature and enabling more people to take action to improve our environment.”

The project links with the 25-year environment plan set out by our government and will directly link to the goal of clean and plentiful water, using resources from nature more sustainably.

Stuart Hobley, area director, London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Helping our environment and natural heritage survive and thrive is a vital part of projects we fund thanks to National Lottery players. We’re pleased to support this project which will raise awareness of how we can all play a part in protecting one of our most precious resources and why it is so crucial that we do.”

A full programme of activities has been developed and will include Siblyback Lake in Cornwall. As a partner in the project, South West Water will play a role in advising on water efficiency and biodiversity gains.