Lopwell Dam - Welcome

Welcome to Lopwell Dam's New Website

Lopwell is a site of breathtaking beauty enjoyed by local residents and tourists alike, especially for bird watching, fishing and walking. Situated at the upper tidal mark on the River Tavy, three miles from north Plymouth and seven miles from Tavistock, this wildlife haven lies in the countryside but is close to the city where the Tamar Discovery Trail begins.

Lopwell is a designed Local Nature Reserve (LNR) covering an area of approximately 5 hectares. The area consists of several different habitats from mudflats, freshwater marsh, grassland, wildflower meadow, scrub-grassland, saltmarsh, semi-natural woodland historic buildings. The area is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific interest (SSSI).

Local Nature Reserve

Lopwell Dam and its surrounding area has been singled out for the special status by West Devon Borough Council and designated as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR). It is managed by environmental charity South West Lakes Trust, bringing improved accessibility and education to the community.

Photo Gallery

Latest photo:

Why not take around our extensive photo gallery, where we have 27 photos in 4 categories of Lopwell, its wildlife and scenery for you to browse through.

Latest Sightings At Lopwell

February at Lopwell Dam by Robin Armstrong

01/02:A cold start to this month as expected, with some North East...| more »

Seal sighting

04/01:The resident Grey seal has been seen on many occassions duri...| more »

The low dam and ancillary buildings were built in 1953 by Plymouth City Council, to supply supplementary drinking water to the city. It incorporates a fish pass for salmon and at low tide, visitors can cross the dam into the woodland.

Due to the increasing demand for water a new underground pump house was built in 1981, rendering the orginal pump house redundant. This will be internally renovated and transformed into an Educational and Arts Centre...more »

Webcams At Lopwell!

Lopwell Dam Webcams - see Lopwell LIVE!

Pledge Your Support For The Wildlife & Education Centre

SWLT's intention to develop the pumphouse at Lopwell Nature Reserve needs your support! Read more »

Latest News

Footpath Improvements in nature reserve

20/11:SWLT staff, and volunteers from the British Trust for Conser...| more »

'NEW' Dormice (Muscarinus aveanarius) Project, Slew Wood, Roadford

14/02:fifty one Dormouse nest-tubes and six nesting-boxes have bee...| more »

Latest Events

Guided Walk at Lopwell LNR

15/01:Join Paul Gregory Community Liaison Officer and Neil Reeves ...| more »

Guided Walk at Lopwell dam LNR

02/10:Join Paul Gregory Community Liaison Officer and Neil Reeves ...| more »

Self Guided Walk Leaflet

Download the new self guided walk leaflet.