Countryside Protecting the environment Protecting the environment How our environment work benefits wildlife The team Agri‑environment schemes Burrator biodiversity maintenance contract Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) management Biodiversity Performance Commitment (BPC) Overall benefits to wildlife How our environment work benefits wildlife South West Lakes Trust is committed to delivering vital environmental restoration and protection through Agri‑environment schemes and biodiversity contracts. This work plays a vital role in creating healthier, more resilient habitats across the south west. By managing land for nature, these programmes support a wide range of species — improving habitats for everything from birds and bats to plants, pollinators, amphibians, and mammals. The team Nicola Morris, Head of Environment The Environment Team is led by Nicola Morris, Head of Environment, who oversees the delivery of our environmental programmes and ensures that our land and habitats are managed to the highest conservation standards. Nicola is supported by three Conservation Officers—Morwenna Thelier, Teri Nicholls, and Laura Dee—each bringing strong expertise and a deep commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment across our sites. Morwenna Morwenna leads conservation work at two of our Dartmoor sites, Burrator and Venford. Laura Laura covers the central region, with a particular focus on sites across Devon. Teri Teri is responsible for managing conservation delivery across our Cornwall sites. Together, the team are highly experienced conservation practitioners who are passionate about ecology, habitat restoration, and engaging with our wonderful volunteers. Their combined expertise ensures that our landscapes continue to thrive for wildlife and people. Agri‑environment schemes These schemes ensure that land is managed in ways that mimic natural processes and promote ecological diversity whilst supporting the production of food and forestry products. Healthier grasslands supporting pollinators and ground-nesting birds. Improved woodlands creating layered structure for birds, bats, and invertebrates. Better wetlands supporting amphibians, dragonflies, and wetland plants. Habitat connectivity increasing species movement and genetic diversity. Burrator biodiversity maintenance contract Working with South West Water this work enhances habitats at Burrator and Venford Reservoirs. Enhances woodland, grassland, and wetlands. Supports rare plants, invertebrates, bats, owls, and amphibians. Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) management Alongside South West Water we are protecting eight sites designated for their nationally important habitats. Maintains rare species and priority habitats. Regular ecological monitoring supports conservation actions. Supports bats, reptiles, botanical species, and overwintering birds. Biodiversity Performance Commitment (BPC) As South West Water's main delivery partner for the BPC we are working to improve biodiversity at Argal, College, Crowdy, Fernworthy, Lopwell Dam, Meldon, Roadford, Stithians, and Wistlandpound. Invasive species control allowing native flora recovery. Grassland and heathland improvements supporting reptiles and pollinators. Woodland and hedgerow enhancement supporting bats and birds. Read more about our work with partners Overall benefits to wildlife With almost 1,000 hectares of land being managed by the team these programmes enhance and restore habitats, strengthen ecological networks, protect declining species, and build climate resilience, ensuring the lakes and landscapes at South West Lakes Trust continue to thrive for wildlife and people. Recent work To find out more about the environment team's recent work, please visit our blog pages to find out more. South West Lakes Trust blogs Supporting our work If you would like to support our work, there are many ways to contribute and make a real difference towards maintaining and preserving these special places for future generations. These include: Making a donation Becoming a Friend Volunteering Main image: Great White Egret at Longham Lakes by Daphne Wuenn Manage Cookie Preferences