South West Lakes launches 2025 ‘Love Your Lakes’ photo competition to celebrate 25 years of memories

Environmental and recreational charity South West Lakes Trust is inviting the public to capture and share their favourite moments by the water as it launches its 2025 ‘Love Your Lakes’ photography competition, open from Wednesday, 16th April to Sunday, 31st August.

Now a cherished annual tradition, the competition celebrates the natural beauty, biodiversity, and spirit of adventure found across the Trust’s lakes in the South West. This year’s event holds special significance, coinciding with South West Lakes Trust’s 25th anniversary, and includes a new category titled ‘Celebrating 25 Years’, inviting visitors to submit nostalgic snapshots or treasured memories from past decades.

From tranquil wildlife encounters and awe-inspiring scenery to thrilling outdoor escapades, the competition is a chance for lake lovers of all ages to express what these special places mean to them through the lens of a camera.

Five categories are open for entry:

• Wonderful Wildlife

• Stunning Scenery

• Awesome Adventures

• Young Explorers (for photographers aged 17 and under)

• Celebrating 25 Years

Thanks to generous sponsorship from South West Water, prizes include:

• £250 for the overall winner

• £100 for the winner of each individual category

Winning entries will be showcased in a special exhibition at Roadford Lake at the end of the year, giving photographers the chance to see their work celebrated in one of the Trust’s most popular locations.

James Platts, Chief Executive of South West Lakes Trust, said: “We are thrilled to launch this year’s competition, especially with the addition of a special anniversary category. As we mark 25 years of connecting people with the outdoors, we want to honour the memories, moments, and magic that our lakes inspire every day. Whether it’s a fleeting encounter with wildlife, a breathtaking sunset, or a cherished family outing, we look forward to seeing what the lakes mean to our visitors - through their own eyes.”

Founded in 2000, South West Lakes Trust is the region’s largest combined conservation and recreation charity, managing over 40 inland waters across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and West Dorset. Its mission is to protect natural habitats while offering vibrant opportunities for outdoor activity, wellbeing, and community connection.

The ‘Love Your Lakes’ Photography Competition is open to amateur and professional photographers alike.

To find out more about how to enter, including full terms and conditions, visit:
www.swlakestrust.org.uk/love-your-lakes-photography-competition-2025

Website: www.swlakestrust.org.uk
Facebook / Instagram / X (Twitter): @swlakes