Burrator Reservoir photo wins South West Lakes Trust competition

A striking photograph of the autumnal woodland at Burrator Reservoir on Dartmoor has been named the overall winner of South West Lakes Trust’s Love Your Lakes photo and video competition. Captured by Anna Curnow, a gardener from Northlew near Okehampton, the image shows the serene beauty of the reservoir framed by vibrant seasonal colours.

The competition, designed to highlight the region's natural beauty and inspire a deeper connection to its lakes, attracted over 210 entries. Judges were impressed by the calibre of submissions, which ranged from breathtaking landscapes to dynamic moments of adventure. Anna’s winning image stood out for its composition and the way it captured autumn’s rich hues reflected in the still waters of the reservoir.

Anna, 51, has been passionate about photography for over a decade, using it as a way to relax and connect with nature. Describing the moment she took the winning photo, she said: “I took this photo when I was out for a walk with the dogs and had my camera with me. Walking along the road, I could see the scene through the undergrowth. I got through, found a place for the camera, and waited for the light to hit before taking the picture. I love visiting Burrator because of the old abandoned farm buildings, Bronze Age features, and the tors. It’s got everything.”

Professional photographer Gareth Williams of GRW Photography, who served on the judging panel, praised Anna’s photograph: “The winning photo of Burrator Reservoir brilliantly captured the wonderful autumnal colours mirrored in the reflection, showcasing the lake at its very best. A truly deserved winner.”

James Platts, Chief Executive of South West Lakes Trust, commented: “The competition aims to encourage visitors to engage with the natural environment and share their adventures at lakes across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset. We were staggered by the quality of the photographs submitted, which perfectly captured the natural beauty and diversity of all the lakes.”

The Love Your Lakes competition featured five categories, with winners selected by a panel that included representatives from South West Lakes Trust, South West Water, and a professional photographer. The event was supported by South West Water.

The winning photographs and a selection of shortlisted entries are now on display at Roadford Lake Café near Lifton, Devon. The exhibition brilliantly demonstrates the beauty of the region's reservoirs and lakes, which attract around two million visits annually.

South West Lakes Trust is the largest combined environmental and recreational charity in the region, managing over 50 inland water sites across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, and West Somerset. Spanning 5,000 hectares of land and water, these sites are rich in biodiversity, provide important habitats, and preserve historic landmarks.

The Trust works to ensure that people of all abilities can enjoy these special locations through accessible facilities and activities on and off the water. From wildlife conservation to recreation, the charity plays a vital role in connecting communities with nature.

For more information about South West Lakes Trust and its activities, visit their website or head to the Roadford Lake Café to see the stunning winning entries on display.