Funding

South West Lakes Trust has received a grant for £70,000 to fund the Lopwell project. The grant, which came from English Nature in conjunction with the National Lottery new opportunities fund, was aimed at involving the community in the improvement, care and enjoyment of the environment, and to enhance access to the site through information technology.

The money will go towards the transformation of the redundant pump house on the eastern shore. The building will be internally renovate and transformed into a wildlife education/ arts and interpretation centre. The centre will comprise of visual display material, optical equipment and interactive displays, such as web-cams for the observation of wildlife without causing disturbance.

The education and arts centre will be utilised by the local community, local groups, schools and colleges and also be used as a place for scientific research. Local artist crafts will also feature on display. The centre will provide an ‘inclusive' community hub with, interpretation, ICT, links to cycling and walking networks and offer quiet wildlife observation.

The grant will therefore not only assist in the site improvements, it will also allow the Trust to employ a Community Liaison Officer over three year period to achieve the aims both English Nature, South West Lakes Trust and the New Opportunities Fund. As well as managing the reserve and assisting in increasing its biodiversity through habitat creation, Paul Gregory is also responsible for involving the community in Lopwell Dam's development. He has helped to create a Friends of Lopwell Dam group, and also leads guided walks, takes educational visits by schools and organises nature events such as moth-trapping and bat evenings.