Clennon Valley lakes

Our history

Clennon Valley lakes were created in the early 1980s providing a place for people and wildlife. The nature reserve areas were fenced, planted with saplings and a path laid around providing a place for people and wildlife.

The lakes and immediate surrounding area are a designated County Wildlife Site. Clennon Lakes are Torbay’s most important wetland site, and a home for many species found nowhere else in Torbay adding greatly to the bay’s biodiversity. However the lack of habitat management for more than 30 years saw the lakes gradually becoming overgrown, even turning back to scrub and woodland. The muddy footpaths were almost un-walkable during the winter. There was a real risk the lakes themselves would disappear – the most important part of this pocket nature reserve lost. A group of regular walkers recognised that something needed to be done, and as a result in 2015 the Friends of Clennon Lakes was formed.

Clennon Valley Lakes Today

Friends of Clennon Lakes

Today more than 90 people pay a nominal membership/supporters subscription which pays toward important insurance for the group’s volunteers and equipment. Most importantly the group holds monthly work parties (on the first Sunday of every month 8.45am-12noon) which are regularly supported by between 20-30 hardworking volunteers, with additional work being carried out on weekdays by smaller numbers of the group. The amount of work completed in the first few years is very clear to see, helping to make the lakes a better place for wildlife and people. Indeed the hard work has been recognised during the Britain in Bloom competition ‘in your Neighbourhood’ category – achieving ‘outstanding’ certificates almost every year and helping Paignton achieve a gold award. The group also received the south west region London and Manchester Trophy for ‘outstanding environmental initiative’ in 2019 and a Green Flag 2023/24.

The group has successfully applied for several grants and awards which have greatly aided a number of projects including purchasing specialist equipment (waders, saws, strimmers), resurfacing the muddy footpaths, some interpretation, building a bridge, buying a punt to help the group work in deeper parts of the lakes, putting up nestboxes, benches, information panels, viewing platforms and an artificial kingfisher nesting bank. Future plans include a major silt dredging which will secure the lakes future for both wildlife and the local community.

The Friends of Clennon Lakes are determined to keep the lakes as a thriving wildlife haven, great place to walk and even provide a valuable educational resource. The best way to discover the site and its brilliant wildlife is to take a walk around.

Thank you

Our Supporters & Sponsors

A big thank you to all our supporters and sponsors. Your help has played an essential role in preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of the lakes and surrounding areas. Whether through your time, donations, or spreading the word about our cause, you have helped create a thriving community committed to environmental stewardship. Your support enables us to continue protecting this vital green space for future generations to enjoy. We are deeply grateful for your continued commitment and partnership in making Clennon Valley a haven for both wildlife and people.